Shigeru Ishiba criticized for gifting lawmakers gift certificates

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing criticism for giving ¥100,000 gift certificates to newly elected lawmakers. This practice, while customary among past prime ministers, has raised concerns about potential violations of political funding laws. Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Shoji Maitachi acknowledged the backlash, stating the ruling party must accept criticism for the practice, especially amid rising prices affecting the public. Opposition leaders, including Yoshihiko Noda and Yuichiro Tamaki, have called for Ishiba to testify before parliamentary ethics panels regarding the issue.