Top Aide to Japan's Sanae Takaichi Accused of Using Public Funds for Affair

A scandal has erupted in Japan involving Masashi Motegi, a senior secretary to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is accused of exploiting public funds for a personal affair. The weekly magazine Bungei Shunju reported that Motegi, a trusted aide who has served Takaichi for years, allegedly arranged hotel stays with an extramarital partner during official business trips between May and September 2025.

The core of the controversy lies in the alleged financial impropriety: Motegi reportedly paid for only one person's accommodation, with the second room's cost suspected to have been covered by public funds. This has sparked outrage and accusations of misusing taxpayer money, alongside concerns about misconduct and potential leaks of internal information.

Following the revelations, Motegi attempted to mitigate the damage by personally reimbursing the outstanding accommodation costs. However, the scandal has significantly impacted his career. According to Mainichi Shimbun, a recent government reshuffle saw Motegi reassigned from his influential position at the Prime Minister's official residence to a role within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's general affairs department. This move effectively removes him from the core decision-making circle.

Public reaction in Japan has been swift and critical, with online commentators decrying the alleged misuse of public funds for personal gain. The incident has cast a shadow over Takaichi's administration and highlights ongoing concerns about ethical conduct among public officials.

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Using public funds for business trips to bring women into hotels... what a stingy guy! An idiot! Crude!