Japan PM Takaichi says smear video questions distract from duties

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on June 22 that ongoing opposition scrutiny over allegations her office commissioned online smear videos against rivals is consuming valuable time that should be dedicated to her prime ministerial duties. She expressed a desire to submit a statement from her secretary to parliament to clarify the matter.

Takaichi faces repeated questioning from the opposition regarding reports that her office hired an IT firm to create anonymous videos attacking opponents, including current Defense Minister Shinzo Koizumi, during the October Liberal Democratic Party leadership race and the February general election. The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun first reported these claims in late April.

Responding to a lawmaker from the Centrist Reform Alliance, Takaichi indicated that the controversy is impacting her ability to govern. "Unfortunately, I have been unable to secure sufficient time for prime ministerial duties due to responding to the allegations," she told parliament. She believes media reports have not presented the full picture and are causing confusion.

Previously, Takaichi had refused to listen to an alleged recording of her secretary in an online meeting with the IT firm head, citing resistance to paying a subscription fee. She also stated that her secretary has no clear memory of meeting the individual.