Details of the ¥15,000 Membership Fee Party Hosted by Rui Matsukawa Amidst Criticism in Osaka
In the midst of issues surrounding political funds, including his own illicit finances, what could have been his mindset in hosting the party?
On July 1, a political fundraising party for Matsukawa Rui (53), a member of the House of Councillors, was held at a luxury hotel in Osaka. While the name may not ring a bell for everyone, perhaps “Eiffel Sister” would be more recognizable. Last July, Matsukawa, then the director of the Women’s Division of the Liberal Democratic Party, and 38 staff members visited for training. They posed in front of the Eiffel Tower and posted photos on social media, along with other posts enjoying France as if on a vacation. This led to a major public outcry, questioning whether they were confusing a public-funded training trip with a personal holiday.
Moreover, Matsukawa Rui faced scandal earlier this year related to politics and money. In January, it was revealed that ¥2.04 million had been funneled back from the Abe faction (dissolved in February this year) over four years, and this income was not reported in the political funds disclosure statement.
Matsukawa claimed she was unaware of the illicit funds. Shortly after the political funds control law amendment was enacted in mid-June, the details of the party she hosted became a topic of interest.
“The event took place at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, using a venue that accommodates 330 people. The membership fee was ¥15,000 per person. Although the event was named ‘Matsukawa Rui and the Future of Osaka Creation Meeting,’ collecting fees from supporters effectively makes it a political fundraising party.
Holding a political fundraising party itself is not problematic, but hosting it less than a month after the amendment’s passage seems rather opportunistic. Notably, there was no mention of the party on her social media or website.” (LDP official)
The event began as scheduled at 6 p.m., and the venue was almost at full capacity. Just before it started, Matsukawa was seen outside the venue, intently focused on her laptop, possibly reviewing her speech, with a serious expression.
The doors to the venue reopened around 8 p.m. Despite facing headwinds, Matsukawa Rui showed great courtesy to the attendees who came to support her. She interacted with each person until the end, exchanging brief words like, “Is it okay to take a photo?” and shaking hands. A long line of people formed as they prepared to leave.
While she displayed courteous behavior, the impact of the two scandals remains significant.
“She was once seen as a potential future minister and seemed to be aiming for a higher position by shifting to the House of Representatives. However, these two incidents have severely damaged her image. Moreover, with the dissolution of the Abe faction, she has lost her support base.” (political journalist)
Additionally, her relationship with the local LDP Osaka chapter is reportedly very strained.
“Osaka, like the Osaka Ishin party, has a strong top-down culture. She has always struggled with this type of environment, and the backlash from the prefectural chapter following the Eiffel photo made her an isolated figure within the organization. She seems to want to switch to the House of Representatives in another major city, but.” (national newspaper Osaka correspondent)
However, with the loss of the Abe faction, which was her main source of support, Matsukawa is now in a truly precarious situation.
After the party ended and the guests had left, a group of five or six women around Matsukawa’s age remained at the venue. They appeared to be her high school classmates. Matsukawa took photos with them in front of the gold folding screen and spent a cheerful time outside the venue. For Matsukawa, who is facing difficulties in the political arena, old friends might be her greatest source of emotional support.
