Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said it is difficult to determine if a released audio recording is her official secretary based on sound alone [1].
The statement comes amid allegations that the Prime Minister's camp created and spread defamatory videos targeting other candidates during the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election and the lower house election [2]. Because the recordings involve potential political misconduct and the use of disinformation, the authenticity of the voice is central to determining accountability.
During a session at the National Diet on May 22, 2024 [1], Takaichi addressed the audio published by the magazine Shukan Bunshun [2]. She said that the voice in the recording sounded higher and more brisk than the secretary's usual speaking style, which created a sense of discomfort for her [2].
"It is difficult to judge whether it is the secretary themselves based on such audio," Takaichi said [1].
She said that the voice was significantly higher and more articulate than when the secretary speaks with her in person [2]. The Prime Minister's comments were delivered at a press conference at the Diet Press Club while the House of Councillors was in session [1].
The controversy centers on whether the Prime Minister's staff engaged in a coordinated effort to smear political opponents through manipulated or deceptive media [2]. Takaichi has not confirmed the identity of the speaker in the audio, citing these vocal discrepancies as a reason for doubt [2].
“"It is difficult to judge whether it is the secretary themselves based on such audio."”
This dispute over audio authenticity highlights the increasing role of digital forensics in political scandals. By questioning the vocal characteristics of the recording, Takaichi is challenging the evidentiary value of the leak, potentially shifting the narrative from the content of the smears to the reliability of the source material.
