Prime Minister Takashi denied involvement in the creation of defamatory videos targeting other candidates during a press briefing at the official residence [1, 3].
The denial comes amid allegations that the Prime Minister's campaign produced smear videos during previous elections and the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race last year [1, 2]. Such accusations challenge the integrity of the Prime Minister's campaign conduct and his previous testimonies before the Diet.
Speaking around 6 p.m. on the 19th, the Prime Minister addressed reports suggesting his campaign was linked to the production of the content [1, 3]. He said that his previous answers provided to the Diet remain firm [1].
"I have answered this in the Diet before. That does not change," the Prime Minister said [1]. He said that slandering or defaming other candidates is not his style and that he never engaged in such activities [1].
The Prime Minister's statements aim to shut down ongoing speculation regarding the tactics used by his supporters to undermine rivals. By anchoring his defense in his official Diet record, he seeks to frame the allegations as inconsistent with his established public testimony [1, 3].
The briefing focused on the Prime Minister's insistence that his campaign adhered to ethical standards. He said that the reported involvement in the creation of the videos was unfounded [1, 2].
“"I have answered this in the Diet before. That does not change."”
This denial is an attempt to maintain political stability and personal credibility by linking current statements to formal legislative testimony. If evidence emerges that contradicts these claims, it could lead to a crisis of trust regarding the Prime Minister's transparency with the Diet, potentially fueling opposition calls for further investigation into campaign ethics.
