Japan’s Takaichi faces backlash over US$190 victory gifts to ruling party lawmakers

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseFebruary 25, 2026 at 06:40 AM

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing criticism for gifting ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers congratulatory gift catalogues after the party's recent election victory. Each of the 315 MPs could choose an item, costing approximately $190 per person, with the expense covered by political funds from a party branch Takaichi heads. The revelation has drawn comparisons to a previous slush-fund scandal that damaged the LDP and its leaders. Opposition leaders are holding Takaichi accountable, suggesting the gifts could fuel voter anger and damage her image. The incident is occurring in Japan, following the LDP's recent election win.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Centrist Reform Alliance 30% Junya Ogawa 40% Shigeru Ishiba 50% Fumio Kishida 60% Japan ×270% Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ×280% Sanae Takaichi ×590%

Keywords

sanae takaichi 100% political gifts 90% liberal democratic party 80% slush-fund scandal 70% election victory 70% political funds 60% backlash 60% japanese politics 60% voter anger 50%