politics
Prime Minister denies magazine report on campaign videos
A weekly magazine reported that videos posted during two elections defamed rivals of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The prime minister rejected the account, while audio recordings linked to the videos have surfaced and opposition parties seek a parliamentary hearing.
The Japan TimesAudio version
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A weekly magazine reported that videos posted on social media during last year’s Liberal Democratic Party presidential election and this year’s Lower House election contained material defaming rivals of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The prime minister has denied the account published by Shukan Bunshun.
Audio recordings said to be from an online meeting between the video creator and her secretary have been released, adding to the dispute.
Opposition response The opposition Centrist Reform Alliance and other parties have called for the secretary to appear before parliament. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to questions at the Upper House Budget Committee on Friday.
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