Takaichi Denies Camp’s Role in Smear Videos After Weekly Bunshun Report
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on May 28 denied her campaign’s involvement in smear videos reported by Weekly Bunshun, saying the allegations are “very surprising” and untrue. She told the Upper House Health, Labour and Welfare Committee that neither she nor her staff produced, distributed, or commissioned derogatory video content targeting other candidates. The controversy stems from a magazine report alleging an aide’s online contact with a man tied to production of social media clips used during the House of Representatives and LDP leadership contests.
Takaichi’s Response at the Upper House Committee
Prime Minister Takaichi spoke in the committee session on May 28, directly addressing questions about the Weekly Bunshun story and its implications for her office. She said she had asked her secretary about the matter and received confirmation that no such content had been produced, disseminated, or requested by her camp. Takaichi described the reports as damaging to her relationships with cabinet members and staff, saying they created the impression of office disarray.
Details of Weekly Bunshun’s Allegations
Weekly Bunshun reported that a man involved in producing the alleged videos had been in online meetings with a person identified as a member of Takaichi’s office. The magazine’s account said the videos were shared on social media during the Lower House election campaign and the Liberal Democratic Party presidential contest, and that some content smeared rival candidates. The article claims the meetings and subsequent deletions of data form part of the chain of evidence it relied upon.
Opposition Scrutiny and Questions About Evidence
During questioning, Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Michihiro Ishibashi pressed for proof and raised concerns about post-event data deletion, asking whether a weekly magazine’s reporting could substitute for direct evidence. Takaichi responded that she and her staff denied commissioning or disseminating the material and that, absent definitive proof to the contrary, it was unfair to present the allegations as fact. The exchange highlighted partisan tensions over the standards of proof required in political-media disputes.
Campaign and Party Reactions Remain Limited
Takaichi’s office has publicly denied involvement, and there has been no immediate acknowledgement from senior LDP officials confirming the magazine’s account. Party sources have urged clarity but have also cautioned against premature judgments while inquiries continue. The lack of an independent, verifiable paper trail cited in public statements has left both the ruling party and opposition calling for more transparent information about the alleged contacts and the origins of the videos.
Wider Concerns Over Social Media and Election Conduct
The episode has revived broader concerns about the role of social media in Japan’s electioneering and the ethics of negative digital campaigning. Political analysts note that anonymous or semi-anonymous content circulated online can have outsized effects on voter perceptions, especially when amplified during high-profile contests. Legal experts say existing campaign regulations may not fully cover modern digital practices, and the controversy is likely to prompt renewed discussion about oversight and accountability.
Political fallout could hinge on whether further evidence emerges proving direct ties between campaign staff and the production or distribution of derogatory material. For now, Takaichi’s categorical denial and the magazine’s allegations stand in tension, leaving lawmakers and the public to weigh competing accounts. Journalists and election monitors are expected to follow developments closely as both parties press for verification.
The coming days will be critical for clarifying the chain of events described in the Weekly Bunshun report and for determining whether any formal inquiries or legal steps will be initiated.
