SMBC vs. MUFG! How to Maximize Rewards by Carrying Both Cards in the Battle for Point-Earning Supremacy

Praise for the “Don” of the Prefectural Assembly

A man wearing a white belly band and shimekomi loincloth. Perhaps this is a scene from Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a quintessential summer tradition. The man striking a pointing pose with a broad smile is none other than Isao Kurauchi, 72, the former chairman and “don” of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, who is currently drawing attention as the worst man in Japan.

Few people know that the “don” once published a photo book. Its title was simply “Isao Kurauchi-style.” Produced in December 2023, it was subsequently distributed at parties hosted by Kurauchi.

It is an extravagant 144-page book devoted to the “don” to an almost excessive degree. It contains numerous private photos, including the don playing with his grandchildren and relaxing in shorts. But one man who owns a copy expressed his frustration:

“On top of being made to buy a ¥20,000 party ticket, I was given a photo book like this, and I had no idea what to do with it. Besides all the narcissistic photos, there were also essays praising Kurauchi written by Diet members and the proprietress of a traditional Japanese restaurant. I wondered who on earth would actually want a photo book like this.”

The photo book also contains a collection of messages titled “Friends,” in which 47 people wrote about their memories with Kurauchi.

Taro Aso, 85, vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party, wrote that when he ran in the LDP presidential election, “Chairman Kurauchi took the lead in rallying support for me across the country.” Architect Kengo Kuma, 72, lavished praise on him, writing, “Mr. Kurauchi is very fashionable and has excellent taste.” Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori, 71, praised him, saying he had been impressed by Kurauchi’s sharp gaze as a politician.

The photo book, overflowing with praise for Kurauchi himself, appears to symbolize his excessive self-consciousness and the sycophantic behavior of those around him.

The September 25 issue of “FRIDAY,” released on September 10, and the paid edition “FRIDAY GOLD” feature photos from Kurauchi’s photo book, including off-duty shots of him wearing sunglasses and shorts, posed photos taken in his study, and the collection of messages contributed by LDP Vice President Taro Aso. The magazines also provide an in-depth report on the reality of the police investigation behind Kurauchi’s resignation as a prefectural assembly member.

For those who would like to see the full details and multiple photos, click here ↓

From the September 25, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”