Mr. Abe’s Divine Voice and Seko’s Candid Words at the First ¥20,000 Party

“I have participated in political ethics reviews, and during press conferences, I have explained thoroughly until all questions were addressed. I believe there are no issues with hosting the seminar.”

Senator Hiroshige Seko, (61) answered with a disgruntled expression to questions from this magazine’s reporter.

As reported on June 8th by FRIDAY Digital, on June 27th, a party named “Hiroshige Seko, Political Economy Seminar” was held at a luxury hotel in Tokyo. The venue was a banquet hall at a well-known four-star hotel in Tokyo. There were no signs with the seminar name displayed, and boards were placed stating, “Please refrain from taking photos, videos, or recording,” making it unclear to onlookers what kind of gathering it was. After the party, when asked by a reporter about the adequacy of his accountability given criticisms and whether there were issues with holding the party, Senator Seko responded with the words at the beginning. 

The event is officially titled a “seminar,” but its content essentially mirrors a political fundraising party that was scrutinized due to off-the-books money issues. A national newspaper’s political reporter remarked, “Despite the name change, it’s clearly a political fundraising party.”

“This ‘seminar’ required a fee of ¥20,000 per attendee, which indicates it was a political fundraising party. Over 100 people reportedly attended. Regarding the hidden funds issue related to political fundraising parties, Seko was found to have undisclosed expenditures exceeding ¥10 million and subsequently added ¥15.42 million in previously unrecorded expenses, including receipts for expensive Dom Pérignon champagne. This prompted criticism questioning the necessity of using political funds for such purchases.

Although he received the second most severe disciplinary action, a ‘recommendation to leave the party,’ Seko submitted his resignation from the party on April 4th. Since then, he has largely refrained from responding to interviews. We wanted to ask him about the topics discussed at this recent party, held during this period of controversy, but we were shut out. Seko is known as one of the ‘Five Abe Faction’ and has long been a prominent figure in the political arena, serving as the Secretary-General of the House of Councillors and often referred to as the ‘Don of the House of Councillors.’ Even after leaving the party, he still bears the responsibility to explain these questions.”

The political fundraising party held by Senator Seko was conducted under “complete non-disclosure,” attended only by those who had prepaid the participation fee. There was no meal served, and the event lasted from noon to 1 PM, during which Senator Seko delivered a speech lasting approximately 45 minutes. Following a series of issues, this was Senator Seko’s first political fundraising party, and we obtained a recording of his speech for this magazine.

At the beginning of the speech, Senator Seko eloquently discussed the circumstances surrounding his departure from the party. 

 

“Over the course of five years, I received ¥15 million in total, well, ¥3 million annually as refunds. These were left unreported. It was a practice that had been carried out throughout the faction for many years, which has understandably caused significant political distrust. I sincerely apologize to everyone for this.” 

The tone is firm and decisive.

“In my own view, there were many things I wanted to say. I took questions until they were exhausted at press conferences. Even during the ethics review, I responded logically to very tough questions. Parliament is currently dominated by discussions about politics and money. I felt a growing need to resolve this somewhere, so I had already decided to leave the party immediately if I received a recommendation to do so.”

The venue remained quiet, with no significant reactions. One participant, after hearing the explanation regarding the off-the-books money issue, remarked, “He spoke in a clear tone, almost like trying to portray himself as a hero. When things are justified to this extent, it actually makes me slightly hesitant.”

Senator Seko continued to express his thoughts on the off-the-books money issue, even making remarks like:

“Well, even so, it was a major setback and a political trial, I believe. I’ve had things go too smoothly until now. Perhaps this is a heavenly voice from Mr. Abe (Shinzo, aged 67), who is in heaven, saying, ‘You should experience a setback once in a while. That way, you can shed your skin and become a great politician.’ I want to positively embrace this trial, look forward, and move forward firmly.”

The party was held less than a week after the Political Funds Control Law amendment was passed and enacted in the House of Councillors on June 19th. A former LDP official questioned, “Isn’t it a bit premature to hold this now?” However, rumors are circulating that Senator Seko is considering switching to the House of Representatives in the next general election, and perhaps he felt the need to explain to his supporters promptly. Behind the decision to change the event’s name and hold it amidst media exclusion, glimpses of such urgency from Senator Seko were evident.

 

In the paid version of “FRIDAY GOLD,” detailed reports with photos cover what Senator Seko discussed regarding his thoughts on Prime Minister Kishida and his views on the political fundraising party.