Japanese prosecutors investigate Abe's 'Cherry Blossom Event' for Political Funds Act violation... Secretary summoned for questioning

Suspicion of Pre-Event Cost Reimbursement... Opposition Party "Participation Fee Too Low"

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] It has been reported that the Japanese prosecution is conducting a full-scale investigation into the case in which former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was accused of violating the Political Funds Control Act in connection with the Japanese government event called the 'Cherry Blossom Viewing Party.'

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 23rd, citing sources, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Division summoned and questioned Abe's secretaries regarding the case in which Abe and others were accused of violating the Political Funds Control Act during the eve party of the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party.

According to the report, the prosecution is reviewing whether to indict those involved, as the total amount paid to the hotel for the eve party expenses was greater than the total participation fees collected from the attendees, and there is a possibility that Abe's side compensated for the difference. The prosecution summoned and questioned at least 20 people, including two of Abe's secretaries and local supporters, and is currently analyzing financial ledgers from Abe's office and statements from the hotel.

The eve party was hosted by the political organization 'Shinzo Abe Supporters Association,' which has an office in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Abe's electoral district. One of Abe's secretaries who was questioned also serves as the representative of this organization. From 2013 to 2019, the eve party was held at a luxury hotel in Tokyo on the day before the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, an event where the Japanese Prime Minister invited prominent figures from business, culture, and other sectors who have contributed to Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms and engage in conversation.

More than 700 people participated in last year's eve party. Abe's side has maintained that participants paid a participation fee of 5,000 yen (approximately 54,000 won) per person, which covered the hotel meal expenses, and therefore, politicians did not provide money or goods to voters. However, opposition parties have raised suspicions that considering the cost of the hotel's food, the participation fee was low and that Abe's side likely compensated for the difference.

In response, former Prime Minister Abe rebutted that the amount of 5,000 yen per person was set by the hotel, that the office staff merely collected and delivered the money, and that there was no fact of compensating for the difference.

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