"Scandals Remain Despite Abe's Resignation"… Japanese Media Express Concern Over Lingering Suspicions

Allegations Remain Unresolved During 7 Years and 8 Months of Long-Term Rule

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Japanese media expressed concerns that the various allegations raised so far might be swept under the rug following the sudden resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 29th, Japan's Asahi Shimbun expressed worries that allegations involving Prime Minister Abe or his family, such as those related to Mototomo Gakuen, Kake Gakuen, and the Cherry Blossom Viewing parties, would not be properly investigated. During his 7 years and 8 months in office, Prime Minister Abe faced several political crises.

In particular, suspicions remain unresolved regarding the sale of state-owned land at a low price to Mototomo Gakuen, where Abe’s wife, Akie, served as honorary principal. At the time, Prime Minister Abe stated, "If my wife and I are involved in the (scandal), I will resign as both prime minister and member of the Diet."

This case became controversial when it was revealed that the Ministry of Finance had submitted a large amount of manipulated documents to the Diet. The document falsification occurred as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso’s responses in the Diet did not match the documents, and adjustments were made to align them. An official who was practically involved in this process took his own life after the falsification of official documents was confirmed. He left behind notes indicating that the document manipulation was carried out under the instructions of the responsible bureau chief. Although a fact-finding investigation was conducted, the bureau chief only received a three-month suspension.

The Asahi Shimbun criticized that "it remains unclear under whose orders and instructions the official document forgery was carried out," emphasizing that the suspicions have yet to be resolved. The wife of the deceased official also appealed through her lawyer, requesting that "the next prime minister conduct a fair and neutral investigation into why her husband took his own life."

The Kake Gakuen issue involves allegations of preferential treatment during the establishment of a veterinary school by the institution. Prime Minister Abe and the chairman of Kake Gakuen were acquaintances, which allegedly enabled the preferential treatment.

Additionally, allegations related to the cherry blossom viewing parties hosted by the prime minister were not properly investigated. The Asahi Shimbun pointed out that during Abe’s tenure, ten cabinet ministers faced resignation crises, and although Abe expressed deep responsibility, he rarely provided proper explanations to the public.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.