A criminal complaint was filed this week against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, accusing her of illegally receiving political donations exceeding legal limits. The allegations add to mounting scrutiny of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), already embroiled in a slush fund scandal since 2023.
Details of the Allegations
Hiroshi Kamiwaki, a constitutional law professor at Kobe Gakuin University, submitted the complaint on December 4, 2025. It claims an LDP chapter in Nara Prefecture, led by Takaichi, accepted a 10 million yen ($64,400) donation in August 2024 from a company surpassing the 7.5 million yen cap under Japan’s political funds law. A separate complaint was filed on December 3 against Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s Kanagawa Prefecture LDP chapter for a similar violation.
Broader Scandal Implications
The cases revive public anger over the LDP’s slush fund scandal, which first emerged in 2023. Investigations revealed factions within the party allegedly directed lawmakers to sell excess fundraising tickets and funnel unrecorded kickbacks into off-the-books accounts. Seven senior officials appointed by Takaichi since her October 2025 inauguration have been linked to the scandal, raising questions about her commitment to systemic reform.
Political Repercussions
Analysts suggest the complaints could further erode public trust in the LDP, particularly as Takaichi’s administration faces criticism for its perceived leniency toward accountability measures. The timing coincides with growing calls for transparency in Japan’s political financing frameworks, a key concern for investors and diplomats monitoring Asia’s third-largest economy.
