Mr. Okada of the Liberal Democratic Party says “Mr. Shimomura of the Liberal Democratic Party intends to attend,” calling for an immediate political ethics hearing.

Regarding the issue surrounding political funding parties held by factions of the Liberal Democratic Party, Constitutional Democratic Party Secretary-General Okada called for the party to be held promptly, stating that Shimomura, former chairman of the Political Affairs Research Committee, has indicated his intention to attend the House of Representatives Political Ethics Review Committee.

Regarding this issue, Shimomura, the former chairman of the Political Affairs Research Council who served as the secretary-general of the Abe faction, responded last week to an offer from three opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party, saying, ``I intend to attend the House of Representatives Political Ethics Review Committee, and I will consult with the party.'' I answered, "I will."

Regarding this, Secretary-General Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party told reporters in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, ``He has said he will come out, so I want him to come out immediately, not when. I can only believe that they are blocking it,'' he said, calling for a swift review board meeting.

He then pointed out that ``Mr. Shimomura is definitely a key person who knows the circumstances that led to the resumption of kickbacks of party income to members of the Abe faction.''

On the other hand, regarding the timing of the next House of Representatives election, he said, ``Prime Minister Kishida will ultimately decide, so no one knows.However, if we focus on the presidential election, there is a high possibility that it will be dissolved by then.'' 'I have been saying this for a year, and I believe there is no change in that opinion during the current Diet session."