[Scoop!] The “Godfather of the Prefectural Assembly” Poses in a “Fundoshi”… We’ve Got Our Hands on Isao Kurauchi’s “Self-Produced Photo Book”!

Praise for the “Don” of the Prefectural Assembly

A man wearing a white belly band and a “jime-komi.” Is this a scene from the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a summer tradition? This man, striking a pointing pose with a beaming smile, is none other than Isao Kurauchi (72), the former chairman of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly—currently attracting attention as “Japan’s Most Notorious Man.”

It is not widely known that this “Don” once published a photo book. The title, quite aptly, is *The World of Isao Kurauchi*. Produced in December 2023, it was subsequently distributed at parties hosted by Mr. Kurauchi and other events.

It’s a lavish 144-page volume that’s absolutely saturated with the “Don”—to the point of excess. It’s packed with private photos, such as the Don playing with his grandchild or relaxing in shorts—but one male owner expressed his indignation as follows:

“After being forced to buy a party ticket for 20,000 yen, I was stuck with this photo book and had no idea what to do with it. Aside from the narcissistic photos, it also contained articles by members of the Diet and the proprietress of a traditional Japanese restaurant fawning over Mr. Kurauchi… I wondered who on earth would even want a photo book like this.”

The photo book also includes a section titled “To My Friends,” in which 47 people share their memories of Mr. Kurauchi.

Taro Aso (85), Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), wrote, “When I ran for LDP president, Chairman Kurauchi took the lead in campaigning for me all across the country,” while architect Kengo Kuma (72) praised him, saying, “Mr. Kurauchi is very stylish and has excellent taste.”Seitaro Hattori, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture (71), praised him, saying he was “impressed by his keen political insight.”

This photo book, overflowing with self-praise, seems to symbolize Mr. Kurauchi’s excessive self-consciousness and the sycophantic behavior of those close to him.

The September 10 issue of *FRIDAY* (September 25 edition) and the paid version, *FRIDAY GOLD*, feature photos from Kurauchi’s book—including casual shots of him in sunglasses and shorts, posed photos in his study, and a message contributed by Taro Aso, Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party.Furthermore, the issues provide detailed coverage of the “reality of the police investigation” behind Mr. Kurauchi’s resignation from the Diet.

Click here to view detailed content and multiple photos↓

From the September 25, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*