Japan PM Takaichi Sanae embroiled in SNS defamation video scandal

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s administration is facing allegations that, during the 2026 election cycle, her campaign coordinated the production of short defamatory videos that were posted on TikTok and other social‑media platforms to attack political rivals. The videos are said to have been created with the assistance of entrepreneur Matsui Ken and involved multiple Zoom meetings with senior staff, including chief of staff Kinoshita Gōshi. The controversy surfaced after a parliamentary inquiry, prompting criticism from within the ruling party and raising questions about the prime minister’s oversight of campaign tactics.

The scandal adds pressure to Takaichi’s government ahead of the upcoming House of Councillors election, with opposition parties calling for accountability and further investigations into the use of illicit online campaigning methods.