Newly appointed farm minister returns donation in wake of scandal

New farm minister Arata Takebe said Wednesday that he had returned a political donation from a public works contractor and corrected a political funds disclosure report following a weekly magazine report about the donation, which was made during an election campaign period.

“I didn’t know the company had won a public works contract when the donation was received,” Takebe told reporters. “I checked the matter today, returned the money and corrected the political funds disclosure report.”

He denied other reported issues, including suspicions of voter bribery, saying, “I don’t believe I have violated the public offices election law.”

News website Bunshun Online reported that a district branch of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Hokkaido, that is headed by Takebe received a political donation from a local contractor engaged in national public works.

The donation was made on the first day of official campaigning for the 2024 Lower House election. 

Takebe acknowledged that he had failed to confirm whether the donor had received a public works order.

Also, regarding Bunshun Online’s report that Takebe violated the public offices election law by paying a photographer who performed duties similar to those of campaign staff, Takebe denied that the photographer had engaged in campaign activities, saying, “I had my photos taken for the purpose of recording the LDP’s activities.”

Separately, news website Daily Shincho reported that a beer party held by Takebe’s support group included a lottery with prizes worth more than the ticket price, raising suspicions of voter bribery.

Takebe emphasized that the party was a political fundraising event, claiming that attendees were aware of its purpose. He noted that he purchased the prizes at a home improvement store, asserting that they were “not items that would generate a profit.”

Takebe took office only last week, succeeding Kazuo Yana, who resigned on Oct. 14 over his remarks on budget cuts for municipalities whose mayors did not support him in a general election and his provision of free shuttle bus services for supporters during an election campaign, possibly in violation of the public offices election law.

“I should not allow the public to have doubts,” Takebe said, adding, “I am very sorry.”