Japan's PM Kishida Faces Political Crisis Amid Funds Scandal

Approval ratings plummet as opposition calls for increased disaster relief and transparency in political funding.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces criticism over his handling of a political funds scandal that has engulfed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), with opposition leader Kenta Izumi calling for an increase in reconstruction grants for disaster victims.
Kishida's approval ratings have plummeted to a historic low of 79% amid the scandal, which has resulted in the indictment of ten people associated with the LDP, including three lower-level parliamentarians.
Kishida has apologized for the scandal and promised to push for reforms within the LDP, but his comments have been met with skepticism from opposition lawmakers.
The scandal centers on political funds raised through party event tickets bought by individuals, companies, and organizations, with dozens of LDP lawmakers accused of systematically not reporting funds in violation of the Political Funds Control Law.
Despite the scandal and falling approval ratings, Kishida has vowed to continue sanctions on Russia and demanded China drop its ban on Japanese seafood, imposed in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.