Takaichi Agrees to Diet Testimony on Smear Campaign Scandal as Session Nears Close

With the 150-day Diet session set to close July 17 without extension, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed on July 12, 2026 to face intensive Budget Committee questioning over allegations that her February 2026 election campaign was linked to online videos disparaging rival candidates. The scandal centers on aide Takeshi Kinoshita, alleged by Shukan Bunshun to have directed a video producer to create attack content targeting both LDP rivals and opposition candidates; Takaichi has denied any personal involvement. The controversy compounds strain within the LDP-Ishin no Kai coalition, with the 45-seat Lower House reduction — a core Ishin demand — set to stall after the LDP conceded it lacked Upper House votes to pass it.