In a recent statement during a session of the House of Councillors, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the distribution of catalog gifts to party-affiliated lawmakers who were elected in the recent House of Representatives election. Takaichi disclosed that the total expense for this distribution was about 10 million yen, with each gift costing approximately 30,000 yen. She asserted that this expenditure is compliant with regulations as donations from the party branch to individual politicians. The gesture is meant to express gratitude and support for the lawmakers following a challenging election campaign.

Prime Minister Takaichi explained that the gifts were intended as a form of congratulation for the elected lawmakers, aiming to assist them in their future duties as legislators. She clarified that the gifts were distributed from the political finance of her party branch in the Nara Prefecture's second electoral district, and emphasized that no state subsidies were utilized in this distribution. This proclamation did not address the origin of the funds used directly, although Takaichi made a statement on social media asserting that no political funds were used.

The distribution of gifts has raised concerns among opposition parties, particularly with the emergence of previous controversies involving political financing. The Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Masayo Tanabu, questioned the total amount and the purpose behind this financial action, drawing attention to the political implications of such gifts amidst ongoing inflation issues. This discussion brings to light ongoing debates regarding ethics in political spending and transparency as similar practices have resulted in public backlash in the past, suggesting a potential challenge for Takaichi's administration.