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.

It’s possible that Mr. Hashimoto touched upon this topic with former partner Congressman Imai in mind.

Looking at the financial statements of the 96th branch of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area proportional representation for the House of Councillors, which she heads, Congressman Imai donated to the same branch 13 times in Reiwa 3, totaling 8.5 million yen. He also donated 4 million yen the previous year. The total amount donated adds up to 12.5 million yen.

According to Hiroyuki Kaji, representative of the tax accountant firm KAJI Group,

“By donating to political parties, you can choose either a donation deduction (income deduction) or a special deduction for donations (tax deduction), whichever is more advantageous, and receive tax benefits.”

If that’s the case, substantial deductions can be obtained.

“When the asset declarations of the 125 senators elected in 2022 were made public, Congressman Imai, as the top female earner, reported total assets of 98.38 million yen. It was reported that she also owns US military land in Okinawa and earns ground rent from it. Additionally, as a former idol, she organizes events like gratitude festivals and runs a paid online salon, earning substantial income beyond her congressional salary.

Her personal income tax must be considerable. Through donation deductions, she receives tax benefits, and there’s a possibility that these donated funds are being used as expenses in the political party branch. I think she needs to explain this herself.” (National newspaper reporter)

Not only the aforementioned LDP member but also the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan’s House of Representatives member, Tsunehiko Yoshida, has come to light regarding tax preferences. Regardless of the ruling and opposition parties, this issue seems likely to spread.

Therefore, in regards to the fact that she contributed to the political party branch she represents for a total of 12.5 million yen over two years, it is questioned whether Imai’s office received tax benefits from deductions due to contributions.

“I did not receive any deductions.”

Furthermore, when asked about the source of the donated funds,

“It is from personal income.”

She responded via fax.

From missing parliamentary sessions due to a Paris inspection to significant donations and sporting blonde hair, Congressman Imai is never short of topics. What kind of topic will she stir up next?