Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers she and her secretaries had no communication with creators of slanderous videos [1].
The testimony comes as opposition parties investigate allegations that videos targeting political rivals were created and spread during the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election and House of Representatives elections [2], [3].
During a session of the Budget Committee of the House of Councillors in Tokyo on May 11, 2024, Takaichi faced questioning regarding reports from Shukan Bunshun and other media outlets [2], [3]. The reports suggested a link between her camp and the production of content intended to disparage other candidates [2].
Takaichi said that no such interactions took place and that there are no records of any such exchanges [1]. When questioned further about the role of her staff, Takaichi said, "I trust my secretary" [3].
The Prime Minister also addressed the difficulty of monitoring digital footprints in the modern political landscape. She noted that the volume of online interactions is too vast for exhaustive verification. "It is difficult to confirm each and every one of the enormous number of interactions on the internet," Takaichi said [1].
Opposition members have continued to press for more transparency regarding the funding, and coordination of digital campaigns. They argue that the use of anonymous slander videos to influence election outcomes undermines democratic processes [2], [3]. Takaichi said that she had no knowledge of such activities and that no records exist to prove otherwise [1].
“"I trust my secretary."”
This denial places the Prime Minister's credibility against the reporting of major publications like Shukan Bunshun. By citing the impossibility of tracking all internet communications, Takaichi creates a plausible defense against specific accusations of digital misconduct, though it leaves the door open for opposition parties to continue seeking forensic digital evidence of coordination between her staff and online influencers.
