THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
August 29, 2025 at 18:53 JST
Akira Ishii, an Upper House member of Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), in Toride, Ibaraki Prefecture, on May 13, 2022 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
Akira Ishii, an Upper House member of Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), said he will resign over allegations he fraudulently collected the salary of his state-paid aide who did not actually work.
In a statement released on Aug. 29, Ishii, 68, said: “I deeply apologize from the bottom of my heart for causing immense trouble and concern to everyone who has consistently supported me. I have decided that I should resign from my position as a lawmaker and cooperate fully with the investigation.”
Nippon Ishin expelled Ishii on the same day.
Hirofumi Yoshimura, the party leader who is also Osaka governor, told reporters, “It is necessary to draw a clear line.”
He added that Ishii should give up his Diet seat.
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office searched Ishii’s offices on Aug. 27. He is believed to have defrauded about 8 million yen ($54,400) from the government.
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