The initial trial of Keisuke Mitsumoto, a former councilor for Amagasaki in Hyogo Prefecture, who is facing charges of embezzling political activity funds, took place on the 16th at the Kobe District Court. The defendant is accused of embezzling approximately 1.99 million yen from the bank account that held political activity funds while managing it from January 2019 to September 2021. He has asserted innocence regarding most of the charges brought against him, although he acknowledged falsifying some delivery invoices for purchases.

Prosecutors have argued that Mitsumoto withdrew funds under false pretenses for expenses he had no legitimate claim for, such as leasing or purchasing computer equipment. They contend that the embezzled funds were instead used for personal expenses like forex trading and private purchases at home. In contrast, the defense claims that while he did falsify invoices, all expenditures were legitimate, contending that about 930,000 yen allocated for the lease was appropriately accounted for after terminating the lease agreement, presented as valid political activity expenses.

Political activity funds, according to local government laws, are allocated to councilors for research and activity expenses, with the city providing a monthly stipend of 100,000 yen per councilor each half-year. This case has raised questions about transparency and accountability in the management of funds intended for public service, highlighting the ongoing need for oversight in political finances in local governance.