Shinjiro Koizumi Asks Local Support Group for 50000 Yen in Shocking Document
A request for donations was sent the day before the conference.
On September 5, a fax was sent to construction and real estate organizations in Yokosuka and Miura, which are the electoral bases of former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (43).
〈Subject: Request for Donations to Representative Koizumi〉
Following this straightforward title, the message continues:
“In this presidential election, while aiming for a ‘cost-effective campaign,’ the scope of activities has expanded nationwide, leading to a very difficult financial situation. To once again bring forth a president from the Liberal Democratic Party and ultimately the Prime Minister of Japan from Yokosuka and Miura, we sincerely request the contributions of the Keisen Association to Representative Shinjiro Koizumi.
A donation of 50,000 yen (more than one contribution is welcome) is requested to ensure it can be effectively utilized for the presidential election. We kindly ask for your transfer by September 27 (Friday).”
The Keisen Association is a political group supporting Koizumi, consisting of business leaders from Yokosuka City. A business owner who received the fax under anonymity shares:
“We’re discussing among ourselves how many contributions to make. Since Shinjiro seems likely to become Prime Minister, it’s like insurance or a bridge. But honestly, there’s no benefit since his father Junichiro’s era; nothing has been returned to the local community. Some are considering donations as a form of support, similar to idol handshake tickets, but many are contributing out of obligation, and the amount is just.”
Yokosuka City continues to face a decline in population, and the local economy is shrinking. In this context, a donation of 50,000 yen is seen as a significant burden.
“Even though we call ourselves business owners, most are local small to medium-sized enterprises. Many are family-run, with just a few employees, where the owner is actively working alongside them. I understand that personal donations are recognized as ‘contribution acts’ under tax law, but while I can manage to pay around 20,000 yen for Shinjiro’s breakfast meeting, this is more than double that. It’s tough.”
