[Full Text] Even a Shocking “Fundoshi Shot”! We’ve Obtained a “144-Page Photo Book” of Isao Kurauchi, the “Godfather of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly”!
Behind the “Sudden Resignation” Lurks an Investigation—With “Wild Party Photos” of His Close Aides Also Leaked, the “Darkness” Has Yet to Clear
A lavish book packed with “Don” moments
A man wearing a white belly band and a “jime-komi.” Could this be a scene from the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a classic summer tradition? This man, striking a pointing pose with a beaming smile, is none other than former Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Chairman Isao Kurauchi (72)—the “Don” currently attracting attention as “Japan’s Most Notorious Man.”
It is not widely known that this “Don” had previously published a photo book. The title speaks for itself: *The Style of Isao Kurauchi*. Produced in December 2023, it was subsequently distributed at parties hosted by Mr. Kurauchi and other events. This lavish 144-page volume is packed to the brim with “Don” imagery.It contains a wealth of private photos—such as “Don” playing with his grandchild or relaxing in shorts—but one male owner expressed his outrage 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 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 the LDP presidency, 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 nature of those close to him.
A steady stream of accusers has emerged
Mr. Kurauchi, who served as a Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly member for approximately 40 years, suddenly resigned on August 25 of this year. His departure came amid a series of scandals, including allegations of monetary transactions related to the selection of the chair and vice-chair positions, as well as overseas study tours funded by public money that had ballooned to over 260 million yen over a period of about three years.After his resignation, Mr. Kurauchi categorically denied the allegations in an NHK interview, stating, “There was absolutely no exchange of money regarding the appointment of the Assembly Chair or related matters.” However, this does not mean the series of problems has come to an end.
The September 4 edition of the Asahi Shimbun published testimony from a former vice-chairman who stated, “After assuming the position of vice-chairman, I was asked for 5 million yen in cash, which I handed over to an assembly official.” This brings the total number of former chairmen and vice-chairmen who have testified to the exchange of money to six. A political insider in Fukuoka testified as follows:
“The number of people who say they handed over money is far more than just six. There are even those who say they were summoned by Mr. Kurauchi after the election and asked for 3 million yen in return for their cooperation. However, they have not come forward publicly for fear of retaliation.”
Prefectural Assembly Member Motoaki Yoshimatsu (58), who first exposed the issue, has revealed that he voluntarily answered questions from the Fukuoka Prefectural Police in July. He said investigators told him, “We do not intend to let this end with a routine investigation.” The individual who allegedly handed over the 3 million yen is also already cooperating with the investigation.
“Last month, I was interviewed by a detective from the Fukuoka Prefectural Police and laid out everything that happened at the time. Mr. Kurauchi must also have heard to some extent about the progress of the investigation. There are whispers that his resignation this time was prompted by his awareness of the investigative authorities’ actions,” said the political source mentioned earlier.
The reality of the “sweet perks” enjoyed by prefectural assembly members has also come to light. On September 2, the Nishinippon Shimbun reported that, in addition to “drinking during the day” and “arriving late to events” during overseas trips, prefectural assembly members had even taken their wives to Hawaii to hold a wedding anniversary party on a cruise ship.
The main figures involved were Ken’ichi Haraguchi (72)—who also contributed a message to the photo album—and Tadatoshi Inoue (79), both prefectural assembly members. Both are former speakers and heavyweights within the prefectural assembly caucus.
A person who attended the boat party in Hawaii recalled the event as follows:
“We headed to the venue after being told, ‘Tonight’s dinner party will be held on a boat.’ Even though Mr. Haraguchi and Mr. Inoue were accompanied by their wives, I didn’t find it particularly strange at the time. In the U.S., it’s common for the First Lady to accompany the president, so I thought it was just the same… Mr. Haraguchi shared a passionate kiss with his wife in front of everyone, and the venue erupted in excitement.”
The “common sense” of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly seems to differ quite a bit from that of the general public.
From the September 25, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*
Reporting and Text： Hironori Jinno (Nonfiction Writer)