The controversy surrounding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takai deepened after it was revealed that her office distributed 'catalog gifts' as congratulatory presents to over 310 newly elected members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), totaling more than 10 million yen. These gifts included high-end items such as luxury tableware and travel vouchers, and were distributed by Takai's aides while she claimed no legal wrongdoing as they were facilitated through her party's branch rather than as personal gifts. Critics have labeled this action as an example of 'money politics' and an outdated way of operating in Japanese politics, reflecting a broader concern about integrity in political financing.

As discussions heated up, Takai defended her actions in the House of Councillors, arguing that the gifts, while associated with her name, were fully reported in political finance records and thus legally permissible under Japanese law which allows donations from political party branches to politicians. This defense did little to quell the growing criticism, as many see this incident as part of a persistent culture within the LDP that prioritizes financial incentives over integrity and accountability.

Moreover, Takai's reputation for heavy political fundraising—reportedly topping 250 million yen in the previous year's finance report—magnifies the scrutiny on her actions. Despite her popularity, this scandal raises significant questions about the transparency of political funding in Japan and whether these practices will continue without reform, as public trust in the political process remains fragile in the wake of such allegations.