APOLOGIZES OVER REQUESTS FOR POSITIVE ONLINE COMMENTS - KOIZUMI

APOLOGIZES OVER REQUESTS FOR POSITIVE ONLINE COMMENTS - KOIZUMI  

@Jr_Paku Midin Channel

TOKYO

Farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi, a front-runner in the upcoming ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, apologized Friday over requests made by a colleague lawmaker's office for supporters to make positive comments on a video streaming site covering campaigning events.

At a ministerial press conference, Koizumi admitted that, as reported by the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine, office staff of Karen Makishima, who backs him in the Oct 4 race and handles public relations for his campaign, asked supporters to leave favorable comments.

Makishima served as digital minister for about a year from October 2021, during which she oversaw government information technology policy and promoted administrative reform through online services, data use and cybersecurity.

Koizumi also said some of the example comments suggested by Makishima's staff "went too far" in praising him. Both lawmakers have their constituencies in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo.

The 44-year-old son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi denied his direct involvement in the requests, saying Makishima's office made "its own decision" to suggest them.

"Although I hadn't known about it, I feel sorry," he said.

According to the report published earlier this week, the suggested comment examples included "Don't lose to for-show conservatives" or "He's grown through a hard job."

Koizumi appears locked in a two-horse race with former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old staunch conservative who aims to become Japan's first female prime minister. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi is seen as trailing in third place.

In last year's LDP presidential race, Takaichi, who is eager to become Japan's first female prime minister, mailed policy leaflets to party members across the country despite the practice being banned within the LDP, which advocated a "money-free" election.

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have also filed their candidacies for the LDP presidential election to select the successor of outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Koizumi, if elected, could become Japan's youngest postwar leader, although the next LDP chief is not guaranteed to become prime minister as the party's coalition with its junior partner, Komeito, does not hold a lower house majority.

>>>MORE ARTICLE JUST CLICK AND READ<<<

https://www.jacknjillscute.com/2025/09/2-new-key-findings-experts-revealed-at.html

https://www.jacknjillscute.com/2025/09/japanese-youth-messengers-for-peace.html

https://www.jacknjillscute.com/2025/09/japan-opposition-party-lawmakers.html

https://www.jacknjillscute.com/2025/09/okinawa-unveils-draft-ordinance-on.html

@Jr_Paku Midin Channel