Overview

• At a Sept. 26 press conference, the agriculture minister said some suggested wording was excessive and pledged to prevent a recurrence.
• Koizumi said he was told there was no intent to attack other candidates, adding that such examples were inappropriate.
• Publicity chief Karen Makishima said her office sent the examples on its own judgment and apologized for the over-the-top language.
• Deputy Fumiaki Kobayashi previously acknowledged the basic facts after Weekly Bunshun disclosed an email with 24 sample comments.
• Finance Minister Kato, serving as the campaign’s election chief, said he takes the concerns seriously and noted the email preceded the formal campaign setup.