Japan official apologizes for political funds misuse

Obuchi regarded as contender to become first woman premier

Japan's trade and industry minister, Yuko Obuchi, apologized on Thursday for a controversy caused by reports that political funds were spent buying theater tickets for supporters and goods from her relatives' businesses.

Obuchi, the 40-year-old daughter of a former prime minister, was picked by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to head the powerful Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in a Cabinet reshuffle less than two months ago.

Obuchi, regarded as a possible future contender to become Japan's first woman premier, became mired in controversy as the reports of misuse of funds, possibly violating electoral and political funding laws, hit the newsstands.

The weekly magazine Shukan Shincho reported that two political support groups in Obuchi's constituency had spent 26 million yen ($245,600) on theater tickets for her backers in 2010 and 2011.

Major newspapers followed up on the allegations. The Mainichi newspaper said Obuchi's political funding oversight body had spent 3.6 million yen over five years from 2008 at a clothing shop run by her sister's husband and a design office run by her sister, raising more questions.

Tough task

"I apologize from the bottom of my heart for the fuss created by my private matter," Obuchi said in response to questions at a panel in the upper house of parliament.

She said she had instructed the political groups to investigate the matter, adding that she believed the payments to her sister's shop fell within the scope of political activities, but that further checks would be made.

Obuchi said she believes her supporters paid for the theater events themselves, but was aware it would be a violation of the law if her political groups made additional payments, Kyodo news agency reported.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said he expected Obuchi would provide an explanation.

Since her appointment, Obuchi has been given the tough task of trying to gain public trust for the government's unpopular policy of restarting nuclear reactors following the 2011 Fukushima atomic disaster.

Damage to Abe

Political analysts said the reports of funds misuse could delay the nuclear restarts if Obuchi's image is damaged or she has to resign, and are a blow for Abe's administration.

Independent political analyst Atsuo Ito said: "Given the power balance between the ruling and opposition parties, I don't think she will have to resign. But for sure, this is damaging to Abe's image."

Abe's ruling coalition has a hefty majority in parliament and the opposition is fractured and in disarray.

"The Abe Cabinet will try hard to protect her, because her resignation would cause even bigger damage," added Ito.

Abe's first brief tenure as prime minister in 2006-2007 was marked by scandals among his Cabinet members, several of whom were forced to resign, but since his return to office in December 2012, his Cabinet has been relatively scandal-free.

Reuters - AFP

(China Daily 10/17/2014 page12)