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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Corruption-tainted public body has been an LDP backer

A Defense Facilities Administration Agency (DFAA)-supervised public-interest corporation, which the Tokyo Prosecutors Office raided in the wake of the arrest of its president (the former DFAA employee) for rigging bids over DFAA contracts, has been a member of an association formed in support of the Liberal Democratic Party, Akahata on March 16 reported.

The revelation proved the cozy relations between the LDP and the organization involved in collusive bidding. It is suspected of violating the Cabinet decision that prohibits public-interest corporations from supporting and giving donations to political parties or politicians.

The public-interest corporation in question, the Defense Facilities Technology Foundation, takes part in an association called the LDP National Security Related Organizations Council.

The foundation depends on research studies under DFAA contracts for nearly 90 percent of its income. It is mainly funded by tax money. Most of its employees are retired DFAA officials. They are re-hired to high positions by private corporations ("Amakudari") after staying in the foundation for the required period of two years. - Akahata, March 16, 2006

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In the House of Councilors Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, Japanese Communist Party representative Ogata Yasuo revealed that the LDP National Security-Related Organizations Council was formed with the aim of supporting the LDP in elections, citing an LDP official's remarks made at the time of its founding in 1996 that the LDP had established the council to win elections held under a new system.
- Akahata, March 17, 2006