Abe denies allegations his office covered expenses for supporters

Abe and Aso have lied, caught, bowed and all forgotten, how can anyone believe them?

"The majority of those who participated stayed at the hotel (where the dinner party was held) and the hotel operator decided on the price," Abe said.

I saw this and thought that Abe truly is a pro at talking out of both sides of his mouth at the same time! When he is done as PM he could get a job with Yoshimoto Kogyo as a comedian!

Abe is so busted again.

I guess he will be leaving soon for another overseas trip in his 2 jets,right.

If PM Abes supporters choose to pay to attend a cherry blossom watching trip, and pay for it themself, whats the problem. It isnt their fault the accomodation and food was so cheap. Its just opposition parties trying to cause trouble.

I hope I understood this correctly from the article; this is a public funded event. Yet Abe (gov) is to conduct a comprehensive review of its guest selection process seen as opaque. Why is the Japan gov involved in a public funded event regarding guest list? The annual event, held since 1952, is meant to honor people such as athletes and celebrities for their accomplishments. hmmm. Not saying I am or am not an Abe supporter but couldn't the government time be more well spent with real issues remaining like the recent typhoon issues, the southern part of the country and issues from floods, rising costs i.e. taxes, etc.

Abe has the right to deny anything.

" It isnt their fault the accomodation and food was so cheap. Its just opposition parties trying to cause trouble."

Exactly! The opposition has nothing to offer Japan. Nothing! They are just playing politics. the law says, if a travel agency handles the trip, his office does not have to file a report not keep track of the expense.

Exactly! The opposition has nothing to offer Japan. Nothing! 

If the CDP ever win an election, you and Ganhappy will be on here saying how terrible the Japanese Government is?

The rules about supporters getting gifts in Japan only seem to be applied when they want to take someone down. Wasn't one politician done for handing out paper fans? This in a country with dam building contracts going to connected people.

In our part of inaka, 5000 yen is the going rate for riding in an election car and giving it "Jiro Suzuki! Jiro Suzuki! Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!" for 2-3 hours. It's a cash payment, of course.

Caught red handed and nothing will happen. I think it was Huxley who said "you can do anything to a person but sit on them", here is an example. Seems the only thing that raises an eyebrow here is when people pentions are affected.

If PM Abes supporters choose to pay to attend a cherry blossom watching trip, and pay for it themself, whats the problem. It isnt their fault the accomodation and food was so cheap. Its just opposition parties trying to cause trouble.

So, you are fine with Abe breaking the election campaign laws.

In our part of inaka, 5000 yen is the going rate for riding in an election car and giving it "Jiro Suzuki! Jiro Suzuki! Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!" for 2-3 hours. It's a cash payment, of course.

Which is not a problem, as they are paid workers, which every campaign uses!

Somewhere I read that the cost had doubled under Abe - and presumed that the government had paid for it.  But if neither the goverment nor the LDP paid for it, and all expenses were covered by the participants, then I don't see an issue.  Big ifs...