Fukuoka officials face cash‑extortion accusations amid political corruption scandal

A senior member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faction in the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly alleges he was forced to pay roughly ¥20 million in cash as a “katsuage” (extortion) demand from party leaders. The claim, first made by former assembly speaker Yoshimatsu Gen‑shō, describes a pattern of forced payments for “golf‑related” expenses, culminating in a total demand of about ¥20 million.

Fukuoka City Mayor Takashima Sōichirō also testified that, during his 2010 mayoral campaign, a councillor demanded he bring ¥50 million, a request he refused. Both the mayor and the assembly member say the payments were part of an entrenched culture of cash‑handouts within the prefectural council, dubbed by some as the “don” system.

Deputy Speaker Nakao Masayuki denied receiving any money and questioned the authenticity of recorded audio in which a voice allegedly admits to handling large sums. The scandal has prompted calls for an external, expert‑led investigation of all assembly members, and the Fukuoka police have opened a probe. Independent reporting by Nishinippon Shimbun has repeatedly highlighted similar cash‑payment allegations involving other councillors and party officials, intensifying public scrutiny of the prefecture’s political finances.