Farm Minister Shinji Takebe said on November 6 that he had confirmed four companies that hold public works contracts donated a total of ¥850,000 to the Liberal Democratic Party branch for his constituency, and that he would return the money.
Speaking at a news conference after a cabinet meeting, Takebe said the donations were made for ordinary political activity. A weekly magazine had reported the payments, which came while the branch he heads was in an election period.
Takebe also addressed a report that his supporters' association gave prizes worth more than the fee charged at a political fundraising party, which the report said amounted to an illegal donation. He said local people had brought the items in to serve as prizes, and that he did not believe this broke the law.
Under the Political Funds Control Act, donations from a company that holds a public works contract with the national or a local government are restricted while the contract is in force. Takebe's acknowledgment that the four companies hold such contracts is the point on which his decision to return the money rests.