Over 10 Pro-Murakami Faction Lawmakers Backing Japan's Suga Hold Dinner Gathering at Prime Minister's Residence, Sparking Controversy

Suga's Close Aide Sakai, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Leads 'Kaneshanokai' Lawmakers' Group
Defies Government's Recommendation to Refrain from Gatherings of Five or More

Sakai Manabu, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] It has come to light that members of a non-faction group of Diet members supporting Yoshihide Suga gathered for a dinner at the Japanese Prime Minister's residence, sparking controversy.

According to Kyodo News on the 2nd, about 10 members of the non-faction group 'Kaneshanokai' gathered at the Prime Minister's residence in Tokyo for a meal together.

Kaneshanokai is known to be led by Manabu Sakai, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, who is known as a close aide to Prime Minister Suga.

Katsunobu Kato, Chief Cabinet Secretary, explained at the regular briefing that there was criticism regarding the gathering of the Diet members at the residence, and said, "I have warned Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakai."

Regarding the criticism that the number of attendees exceeded 10, Minister Kato said, "It is important to reduce the risk of infection," but avoided making a direct comment.

Earlier, the Japanese government has been requesting restaurants to operate only until 9 p.m. daily and urging citizens to refrain from gatherings of five or more people since the 26th of last month to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

As the controversy spread, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakai expressed his apology at the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee meeting held that day, saying, "I will reflect on this."

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