Overview

• Karen Makishima resigned on September 26 as publicity chief for Shinjirō Koizumi’s leadership bid, according to campaign sources.
• The resignation follows disclosures that the camp emailed supporters to post favorable comments under Koizumi’s candidacy announcement video.
• Makishima’s office provided 24 example phrases in the message, including lines such as “No doubt he’ll be president” and “Don’t lose to business pseudo‑conservatives.”
• Her office issued an apology, citing her own lack of adequate review and acknowledging that some wording went too far.
• Coverage describes the matter as a campaign conduct issue in the LDP leadership race, with no report of legal action or Koizumi stepping down.