Mr. Hashimoto working hard at the opening of his officeAt the opening of Ms. Imai’s office, Ken Hashimoto was seen working diligently. He is a former Kobe City Council member who was reported to have had an affair with Imai in 2005. Even before the press arrived, Hashimoto was seen carrying luggage and checking posters at the venue.  A national newspaper reporter said that in 2009, FRIDAY reported that Hashimoto and Imai were living together. When this magazine reported their cohabitation, Imai responded, “We are having a good relationship.” There was a headwind against Ms. Imai from within the party saying that she has no track record (LDP official ) regarding her political activities over the past six years with the public having a strong image of the adultery scandal risking her chances of winning a seat in the upper house of the Diet. The fracture from her falling from a bull has made it impossible for her to make as many speeches as she would like, limiting the few things she can contribute. Furthermore, she has not properly explained her relationship with Mr. Hashimoto in public. Though no one would question the judgment of an adult the public still needs to understand their status. Ms. Imai speaks strongly and enthusiastically