Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly faces scandal over conduct and social media attacks

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is facing scrutiny following the release of videos showing members engaging in rowdy behavior during an overseas study trip to Bangkok. The footage, which surfaced on social media, depicts members celebrating a farewell banquet for a delegation. In one instance, members were seen dancing with neckties tied around their heads, while another video shows a member singing the theme from ‘The Godfather’ to mockingly honor former assembly leader Isao Kurauchi, referred to as the ‘Don’ of the assembly.

Separately, assembly member Taisho Hayashi is facing calls for censure after it was revealed he operated an anonymous social media account used to attack political rivals and local media. Hayashi allegedly used the account to disparage Genaki Yoshimatsu, a member who had previously raised allegations regarding financial misconduct involving Kurauchi. Hayashi, who was a former secretary to Kurauchi, admitted to the posts but has refused to resign, stating that voters should decide his fate in the next election. Multiple political factions are currently considering motions of censure against him.