Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Money Scandal Escalates as Chairman Returns from U.S

Chairman Yūo Kura of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly returned from a trip to the United States on 17 April and gave a solo interview. He said the allegations of money‑exchange surrounding the chairmanship are essentially a dispute between rival factions of former LDP‑aligned legislators, declined to comment on the contents of a leaked audio recording, and described the disputed golf‑fee payments as a split‑cost arrangement among members.

Kura indicated that a third‑party investigation committee will be formed, that the selection of legal counsel is still being decided, and that he will refrain from further public comment until the probe begins.

Former national lawmaker Taizo Sugimura, appearing on a TV programme, remarked that even powerful Diet members find it difficult to challenge local assembly officials. He referenced testimony that former assembly member Gen‑Aki Yoshimatsu allegedly paid roughly ¥20 million before assuming the chairmanship and characterised the local‑national power relationship as a hierarchical “shrine‑carrying” system where local councillors control the support for national politicians.