Prime Minister Kishida Condemns Scandalous LDP Event
TOKYO — In a fiery response, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has publicly criticized a controversial gathering of ruling party members that took place last November and involved scandalous performances by scantily-clad dancers.
Leaked footage from the event, organized by a chapter of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), captured women in swimwear engaging in provocative acts, according to reports.
During a parliamentary session on Friday, Kishida described the event as “highly inappropriate and most regrettable”, expressing his strong disapproval.
Following the public outcry, at least one of the event organizers has tendered their resignation from the party.
The performers, rumored to be members of the Osaka and Kyoto-based Glamor Dancers troupe, were allegedly instructed to use their mouths to receive banknotes hanging from the mouths of event participants, as per local media accounts.
The event, which took place in the western city of Wakayama and was attended by members of the LDP’s youth division, has sparked widespread controversy and condemnation.
One of the organizers, Tetsuya Kawabata, initially defended the event by justifying the inclusion of “go-go dancers” as a means to promote diversity and entertainment.
“We invited the dancers after a thorough evaluation from various perspectives, including their alignment with the theme of diversity,” Kawabata, deputy head of the local LDP youth wing, stated in an interview with Japanese broadcaster All-Nippon News Network.
Despite his earlier stance, Kawabata has reportedly stepped down from his position within the party in light of the escalating controversy.
The LDP’s national youth division issued an apology and announced the resignation of two other MPs who were present at the event.
Prime Minister Kishida, addressing the issue on Wednesday, emphasized that the event contradicted the government’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity.
“Our cabinet is dedicated to building a society that embraces diversity and upholds the dignity of all individuals,” Kishida stated in response to media inquiries.
He clarified that the event was funded through participants’ membership fees and did not utilize public funds.
This scandal adds to a series of controversies that have plagued the LDP, including a recent fundraising scandal involving the party’s influential faction.
Furthermore, the incident occurs as the LDP endeavors to increase female representation in the predominantly male sphere of Japanese politics, with Kishida’s cabinet currently boasting a historic number of five female members.
Despite these efforts, the government’s approval ratings have plummeted to their lowest levels since the LDP regained power in 2012, with a recent opinion poll indicating an approval rate of a mere 18% in March. — BBC