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Japan's PM Takaichi Faces Backlash Over Gift Catalogues

2/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 25, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan faced scrutiny for giving congratulatory gift catalogues to more than 300 LDP lawmakers after their victory.
She said no taxpayer money was used.
The gifts were funded by political funds from an LDP branch she leads.
The gifts were valued at about 30,000 yen each and drew comparisons to a prior LDP slush fund scandal.

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Story summary

On February 25, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan faced scrutiny for giving congratulatory gift catalogues to more than 300 LDP lawmakers after their victory.
She said no taxpayer money was used.
The gifts were funded by political funds from an LDP branch she leads.
The gifts were valued at about 30,000 yen each and drew comparisons to a prior LDP slush fund scandal.