The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.
© KYODO2 key Abe staff may have led decision to illegally cover dinner cost
TOKYO©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.
The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.
© KYODO
25 Comments
Login to comment
bokuda
We already knew that the assistant would get framed and pay for it.
Nothing to see here, keep walking!
HBJ
They’ve finally decided on who will be ‘taking responsibility’ for it then. Surprise surprise it’s not Abe.
MarkX
Mr. Teflon would never have anything stick to him. But let's see if anything sticks to Suga, I don't think he is a slippery as his old boss was. Nonetheless, people don't really seem to care about this. I think more people are angry they didn't get invited and were able to take part in the largess.
JJ Jetplane
Seems Abe has found their fall person. I hope they are well compensated for covering.
Michael Machida
This begs the question: Why would anyone other than Abe try to hide the receipts?
Aly Rustom
agree with all the above.
u_s__reamer
Do Japanese (politicians) understand the term "obstruction of justice"? This charge ought to be the "icing" on the case. Lock 'em up!
Tokyo-Engr
I believe that people are innocent until proven guilty however it sure seems like Abe / the administration are trying to cover this up.
The obvious answer would be to get the receipts from the hotel using a court order/warrant. The hotels are required by law to keep these. Probably unlikely to happen as the LDP wields way too much power in Japan.
If this happened to any of us the presumption would be guilty until proven innocent.
Abe totally wasted my tax money on the stupid masks and the real cost of the masks was much higher. However this is worse as this is an issue of principal and trust. Unfortunately these values are lost on all politicians nearly everywhere these days.
I have Japanese friends and in laws who once supported Abe who have completely turned against him and the LDP and this is one of several reasons why.
Kobe White Bar Owner
3 words, bus-thrown-under
Cricky
LDP has servants, ordinary people have masters. And a whole lot less cash.
Mickelicious
Fish rot from the head.
Executive accountability, please.
AG
So much happening now and... still talking about these dinners?
Priorities...
egads man!
Fall on the sword for your leader.
drlucifer
Sakura , Moritomo and Kakei were not a blow to the chief culprit, how is this going to be even felt like a light breeze by Suda not to talk of a blow. The people are not even interested, they voted for Abe and his LDP even with the myriads of Scandals by him and his cabinet picks. A bit of editorial analysis and perspective is necessary in articles.
GW
Anybody who has lived here for a while should NOT be surprised at this AT ALL, I have watched this EXACT scenario played out so many times I have lost count!!
Please note these political groups are SPECIFICALLY designed so the secretaries fall on the sword, see below:
Do NOT worry about these ""poor"" secretaries they KNOW when taking the ""job"" that they may be called to fall on the sword for their LDP masters, again do not worry these people are highly compensated for doing so at later dates through appointments, amakudari & the usual brown envelopes!!!
This scenario will continue unabated in the institutional corrupt country we all live in Japan!!!
Urbestbud
Why is this considered news.....? An average of $38,400 for each dinner event. Maybe a little more than half is covered by the guests. So he spent a few thousand in pocket money/his fund's money to cover the cost. Big deal. Who cares?!
wanderlust
If the cases even managed to go to trial, an unlikely event; it would probaby be a first offence; then you should expect a lot of sorrimasens and a deep contrite bow; resulting in a token fine, and a suspended sentence.
It happens all the time in politics here.
robert maes
Completely agree with GW.
That is the way it works and it won’t change.
that does not mean we have to condone it but it is the Japanese people only who can put a stop to this. If they choose to continue this, then they have to take the consequences. And the do. Waiting for a politician with a sense of honour, courage or self respect could take a ver long time
Goodlucktoyou
I sense a suicide or two coming...
spinningplates
Hahahah!
Yeah, sure thing Mr.Abe.
Septim Dynasty
In China, the party like this is everyday at the provincial level.
Paul
How quickly they found a couple of escape goats to cover Abe's arse! Disgusting!!!
Dan Lavender
Abe escapes justice again!!
3RENSHO
Escape Goats...!