Fukuoka Prefecture establishes committees to probe political fund and travel scandals

Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori has announced the establishment of third-party committees to investigate two major issues: the purchase of political fundraising party tickets by a prefectural officials' association known as the ‘Bukasho-kai’, and high-cost overseas activities conducted by the governor, vice-governor, and the prefectural assembly between April 2021 and May 2024.

The investigation into the party ticket purchases will focus on the legality and transparency of the transactions, while the probe into overseas travel will examine the necessity and appropriateness of the expenses. The total cost for these two committees is expected to exceed 100 million yen, funded through reserve funds. The investigation period is set to run until March 31, 2025.

Separately, the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is expected to establish its own third-party committee on September 17 to investigate allegations of monetary exchanges involving the posts of assembly chair and vice-chair. This committee is expected to involve 13 lawyers to ensure an investigation following Japan Federation of Bar Associations guidelines. In response to these scandals, a draft for a new political ethics ordinance has also been released for public comment.