Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Friday she will not spend time protesting weekly magazine reports alleging her camp created slanderous videos [1].
The refusal marks a tense exchange between the administration and opposition lawmakers over the integrity of the Prime Minister's campaign tactics and her priorities while leading the government.
During a session of the Upper House Budget Committee, Rep. Makiko Kishi of the Constitutional Democratic Party questioned the Prime Minister on whether she would consider protesting the reports if the allegations were false [1]. The reports in question suggest that Takaichi's camp produced videos intended to slander other candidates [1, 2].
Takaichi said she reviewed the videos late last night [1]. However, she declined to pursue a formal protest against the publication.
"I am currently carrying the weight of Japan and working on national management," Takaichi said [1]. "I truly have no spare time to spend on such things. That is how I feel" [1].
The confrontation occurred as the government seeks the passage of a supplementary budget proposal valued at approximately 3 trillion yen [1]. The administration expects the budget to be finalized on June 5, 2026 [1].
While some reports suggest Takaichi's comments regarding a lack of time were related to a potential early dissolution of the House of Representatives, the official record from the budget committee focuses on the response to the media allegations [1].
“"I truly have no spare time to spend on such things."”
Takaichi's refusal to engage with the allegations suggests a strategy of ignoring media controversies to maintain focus on legislative goals, specifically the 3 trillion yen budget. By framing the issue as a distraction from 'national management,' she is attempting to elevate her image as a decisive leader, though the refusal to deny the claims may provide further ammunition for opposition critics regarding campaign ethics.
