Representative Eriko Imai Donates ¥12.5 Million to Party Branch She Heads to Response the Tax Preference Suspicion

Liberal Democratic Party’s Member of Parliament Eriko Imai attended the House of Councillors’ Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration on June 10 and 11 with striking blonde hair, which became a hot topic. When this was reported in online news, numerous comments of both approval and disapproval were posted.

“Imai, a member of the Diet, had been absent from the National Diet since the March 28th House of Councillors plenary session, but reported his return on SNS on May 7th after a month-long hiatus. In the June 3rd issue of ‘Gendai Business,’ it was reported that he had broken up with his lover, former Kobe City Councilor Ken Hashimoto, who had been suspected of infidelity, and that his health had deteriorated due to the dissolution of their cohabitation.

While parting ways with a long-time partner must be tough, as a Diet member in a position paid with taxpayer money, if he really took a break from the Diet due to the breakup, it’s something to think about.” (Women’s magazine reporter)

Speaking of Congressman Imai, Member of Parliament Matsukawa Rui also participated in the controversial “Paris training,” mockingly dubbed “Eiffel Sisters.” Imai himself claimed the training had significance,

“I will report on my activities later!!”

She posted, but there have been no reports whatsoever.

Meanwhile, regarding the topic of his ex-boyfriend, Mr. Hashimoto, there is no mention of their breakup. However, it seems he continues to harbor sentiments towards political activities. Articles mention that Takuya Hirai, a House of Representatives member of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Shizuma Fukuoka, a House of Councillors member, donated to the party branch they represent, with some income tax deductions applied.

“I understand that tax deductions based on donations to one’s own affiliated organizations can become a target of criticism, but on the other hand, if we don’t create a system to deduct expenses that support parliamentary activities from income through tax filings, it becomes natural to bear expenses from our own salaries. Everyone is desperate to gather money.”

The writer expressed their personal opinion.

By the way, Congressman Hirai and Congressman Fukuoka did not receive kickbacks from factions in the political funding party slush fund scandal.