China News Service, December 24. According to Kyodo News Agency of Japan, on the 24th local time, during the "cherry blossom viewing" incident, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "While deeply reflecting on the situation, I apologize to the people."
Data map: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
According to reports, Abe also stated, "I know that my own political responsibility for this situation is extremely serious, and I am taking this matter seriously. In order to restore the trust of the people, I will make every effort."
On the same day, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made a speech in support of Abe on the issue of "cherry blossom viewing". When answering questions from the media at the official residence, he apologized and said: "It has become a defense that is inconsistent with the facts. I apologize to all citizens."
According to previous reports, the Japanese government has held a "Sakura Viewing Party" in the capital, Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyoen since 1952, inviting representatives from all walks of life to enjoy the cherry blossoms with the prime minister, at the expense of the government.
During Abe's tenure as prime minister from 2013 to 2019, the Abe Support Association was responsible for hosting a dinner on the eve of the cherry blossom viewing party to entertain Abe supporters.
The total cost of these dinners exceeds 23 million yen, which is much higher than the fees paid by attendees.
The prosecutor’s investigation found that Abe was suspected of violating regulations to fill the gap, "subsidy" supporters in disguise, and destroy relevant evidence.
On December 21, 2020, the Special Search Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office asked Abe about the situation.
According to relevant sources, Abe explained that he did not know about the filling fee.
On December 24, the Special Search Department of the Tokyo District Prosecutor's Office decided not to prosecute Abe.
However, the Special Search Department stated that it has instituted a summary prosecution against Hiroyuki Peikawa, the first public secretary who is the representative of the Abe Support Association, for violating the Political Funds Regulation Act.