November 1, 2023

State Minister of Justice Kakizawa Mito (Liberal Democratic Party) on October 31 resigned his ministerial post on the grounds of his role in the use of illegal paid online ads for campaigning by a mayoral candidate in Tokyo’s Koto Ward.

Kakizawa is an LDP member of the House of Representatives elected from Koto Ward. In the mayoral election in April, he worked for the victory of former LDP Lower House member Kimura Yayoi.

A recent news report revealed that Kakizawa recommended to Kimura to use paid online advertising for campaigning, which is prohibited under the Public Offices Election Act. Regarding this case, Kimura already stepped down from her position.

With Kakizawa’s resignation, the reshuffled Kishida Cabinet, since its inauguration in September, has lost two members, including Parliamentary Vice Minister for Education Yamada Taro who quit his post over another scandal.

Later in the day, Japanese Communist Party Diet Policy Commission Chair Kokuta Keiji at a press conference in the Diet building said, “Needless to say, Kakizawa, who suggested to Kimura to commit an illegal act, has no qualification as the State Minister of Justice. It is a matter of course for him to resign.” He added that Kakizawa is also unqualified to be a Dietmember and thus should also resign his Diet seat.

Furthermore, Kokuta pointed out, “PM Kishida should be held responsible for having appointed Kakizawa to the position of state justice minister,” and said that both Kakizawa and Kishida should fulfill their obligation for accountability to the general public.