Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura revealed that the political party branch of the Liberal Democratic Party, which he represents, had received a donation of 10,<> yen from a medical corporation undertaking national projects on the day of the announcement of the House of Representatives election, saying that "it is not my intention to be misunderstood."
According to the political fund balance report of the LDP Hyogo Prefecture 9th Constituency Branch, which is represented by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura, this branch received a donation of 10,19 yen from a medical corporation in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, which was contracted by the government on October 10, the day of the announcement of the House of Representatives election.
The Public Offices Election Law prohibits businesses undertaking national public works from making donations in connection with national elections, but METI Minister Nishimura stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 26th, "I didn't know that corporations had a consignment contract."
On top of that, he said, "It is not our intention to be misunderstood, so we talked with the corporation in question and gave the refund from a moral point of view, and we will take all possible measures to prevent such a situation in the future," and clarified that the donation was returned.