A former member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Mito Kakizawa, received a two-year suspended prison sentence for illegal campaign finance activities in a Tokyo ward election last April. The Tokyo District Court found him guilty of offering bribes totaling 2.8 million yen ($19,000) to 10 individuals, including incumbent assembly members, to support a candidate he endorsed for the Koto Ward mayoral election.
Presiding Judge Katsuko Mukai emphasized the severity of Kakizawa’s actions, stating they undermined the integrity of elections, a fundamental aspect of democracy. Mukai condemned Kakizawa’s self-serving behavior, noting his attempts to bolster his influence within the LDP by favoring a specific candidate in the race.
Kakizawa orchestrated the illegal financing through his secretaries, leading to public distrust in politics at both local and national levels. Despite admitting to the charges initially, Kakizawa remained silent during cross-examination, showing little remorse for his actions.
The court also revealed Kakizawa’s involvement in posting a paid online advertisement during the mayoral campaign, further violating election laws. As a consequence of his conviction, Kakizawa would lose his voting and candidacy rights during the suspended sentence period.
Additionally, Kakizawa’s co-conspirator, former LDP lawmaker Yayoi Kimura, resigned as mayor amid accusations related to the campaign’s advertisement.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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