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.”

 

 

A mysterious email from the public relations officer.

A “mysterious e-mail” from his publicist

It is reported that Koizumi has been rapidly sending similar documents to other political groups and registered funding management organizations. Considering the depleted local economy, this can be described as a disconnected request.

I inquired with Koizumi’s campaign team about the intention behind sending this fax while promoting a cost-effective campaign. However, I did not receive a response by the deadline.

Koizumi’s disconnect is not limited to requests for donations. On September 4, A, a public relations officer for Koizumi’s campaign, suddenly sent the following email to the heads of the 16 companies in the Hirakawa Press Club at the LDP headquarters.

“Thank you to all the ‘Koizumi reporters’ for covering Koizumi’s activities through daily visits and informal interviews. During the three-week election campaign, I wanted to greet everyone in advance and share some thoughts about our campaign headquarters, as well as create opportunities for casual conversation. However, given the timing, this is the only chance I have to invite you.

• This is off the record.

• Please attend individually. No accompanying reporters or photographers will be allowed under any circumstances.

• This is intended to share Koizumi’s thoughts on this election and exchange information regarding your interests in him. Please understand that we will refrain from answering questions about other candidates.

He mentioned that he might have coffee with the heads, so he plans to buy and bring his own coffee. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own drinks as well.”

A reporter who received the email sighs as he shares his thoughts.

“If he were calling the assigned reporters, that would be one thing, but suddenly sending such an email to the head reporters without regard for our schedules and saying, ‘Come to the office with coffee right now,’ is frustrating. When I reluctantly went, Koizumi just chatted away. He talked about how he used to work hard in the baseball club, recalling a moment during his last summer tournament when he faced a full base situation and ended up hitting a ground ball to the pitcher. Since then, he’s been all about full swings.

I didn’t expect him to discuss grand visions like ‘this is the kind of society I want’ or ‘this is the cabinet I envision,’ but I was appalled that he didn’t mention any key policies or offer any detailed analysis of voter support. He probably wanted to show his enthusiasm to the media, but instead, he just exposed the lack of substance.”

The illustrated map that sparked laughter.

Shinjiro Koizumi, backed by former Prime Minister Junichiro (82), studied abroad at Columbia University after attending Kanto Gakuin University. He then became a researcher at the think tank CSIS. After returning to Japan, he served as his father’s private secretary and became a member of the Diet at the young age of 28. He has never worked for a corporation or government office, which explains his somewhat disconnected perspective.

“It seems that his experience of learning English on his own during his time in the U.S. has ingrained in him the idea of ‘I achieved results in a harsh environment.’ When he shares stories, the usual go-to is his memories from studying abroad rather than anything outside of baseball. He seems to prefer people who are skilled in languages, and A, the public relations officer for his campaign, is introduced as a ‘PR professional’ with experience in American tech and AI companies. However, during his street speech in Ginza on September 7, he sent a strange illustrated map for ‘camera setup locations,’ which led to laughter. It felt as if they were treating Koizumi like a celebrity. On September 14, there was an opportunity for coverage when Koizumi served Yokosuka Navy curry at the campaign headquarters. A complained to the main camera about not using a scene where he took off his apron because his hair was messy, behaving like a manager who overestimates his role. It seems like a case of a misinformed duo.”

While it may be somewhat understandable given his first candidacy for party leader, Shinjiro Koizumi’s misadventures don’t end there.

On September 6, during Koizumi’s candidacy press conference, a freelance journalist asked a question implying that there were concerns about “low intellectual levels and declining national power.” Koizumi skillfully responded, acknowledging, “I believe it’s true that there are many areas where I fall short. It’s also true that I’m not perfect. However, I will create a team that compensates for those shortcomings, the best team.”

During this exchange, he flashed a bright smile and said, “We will create the best team and advance reform as a team.” However, in the profile distributed that day, under the section labeled “Weaknesses,” it stated:

“Struggles with group activities.”

The saying “what is common sense in Nagatacho is often nonsense in the world” suggests that Shinjiro Koizumi’s perspective seems significantly disconnected from public sentiment.

 

Related articles titled “Voices of ‘Japan is Finished’… The Outrageous Disrespect Committed by Candidate Shinjiro Koizumi When He Asked His Boss, ‘Are You Doing Well?'” and “Amid Chaos in the LDP Leadership Election, the ‘Disposable Light Mikoshi’ Awaiting Front-Runner Shinjiro Koizumi” delve deeper into the reality of Koizumi as he approaches his first leadership election.

 

In “ The End of Japan: How Are You Doing? Read “ LDP PresidentialCandidate Koizumi Shinjiro’s ‘Outrageous Disrespect’ ” and “ LDP Presidential Election in Turmoil: ‘Lightweight Mikoshi’ Is ‘Disposable’ After Election” awaiting the main contender, Koizumi Shinjiro.