Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied reports that her campaign created and posted videos defaming other candidates on social media [1].
The allegations suggest a coordinated effort to undermine political opponents using digital misinformation. If proven, such actions could raise significant questions about the ethical standards of the current administration and the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking on May 26 [1], Takaichi said she rejected the claims. This follows previous statements made on May 11 [2] during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee. The controversy stems from weekly magazine reports alleging that Takaichi's camp used LINE messages and short-text communications to coordinate the creation and dissemination of smear videos during the 2025 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election [3].
Takaichi said that the specific details mentioned in the magazine reports could not be confirmed. She said that she had consulted with her secretary to verify the facts, but the existence of the alleged LINE and short-message exchanges was not found [4].
"I believe my secretary," Takaichi said [5].
While some reports indicate she received a briefing from her secretary stating that no such activities ever occurred, other accounts describe her response as an inability to confirm the contents of the articles [2, 5]. These discrepancies center on whether the Prime Minister is asserting a total absence of the activity or simply a lack of evidence to support the magazine's claims.
The reports regarding these digital campaigns were further highlighted in a web program broadcast on May 18 [6]. Despite this, Takaichi continues to maintain that no evidence exists to support the allegations of defamation.
“"I believe my secretary."”
The denial by Prime Minister Takaichi highlights a growing tension between traditional political campaigning and the unregulated nature of social media in Japan. By relying on the testimony of her staff to refute magazine reports, Takaichi is attempting to close the issue without an independent audit of digital communications. The persistence of these allegations suggests a continuing scrutiny of the LDP's internal election tactics and the use of 'dark posts' or hidden digital campaigns to influence voters.
