Fukuoka LDP Official Held Fundraiser During Magnitude 7 Earthquake on July 28

Matsuo Toshiyaki, head of the Liberal Democratic Party group in Fukuoka’s prefectural assembly, held a political fundraiser on July 28 despite a magnitude 7.0 earthquake striking Kumamoto Prefecture just one hour earlier. The beer party at a Kitakyushu hotel drew 600 attendees at 15,000 yen each and included a comedian performance. Matsuo defended the decision as necessary to address recent bribery allegations, but the timing drew criticism from within his own party and the public.

Earthquake timing and event details

At 4:27 p.m. on July 28, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, with Fukuoka experiencing intensity 5 minus shaking. One hour later, Matsuo held the fundraiser at a hotel in Kitakyushu’s Kokurakita ward, starting at 6 p.m. The event combined a policy briefing, dinner with alcohol, and opinion exchange. Attendance reached 500 to 600 people, each paying 15,000 yen. A comedian performed during the event.

Matsuo’s defense and internal party concerns

Matsuo stated the event was necessary to provide direct explanations to supporters amid recent bribery allegations involving the assembly speaker and vice speaker positions. He claimed attendees had already gathered and that consulting with supporters led to the decision. Matsuo said he did not drink alcohol and spent time listening to attendees’ views. However, he apologized for the comedian performance, calling it inappropriate in retrospect. Internal party members questioned the decision.

Recent scandal context

Matsuo has faced allegations of receiving 500,000 yen from a fellow assembly member under the guise of travel expenses. The Fukuoka prefectural assembly has been embroiled in multiple scandals, including monetary exchange suspicions tied to speaker and vice speaker positions. Matsuo used the July 28 event to address these allegations directly, discussing overseas travel issues and denying monetary exchanges when he became assembly leader over a decade ago.

Public and political reaction

Matsuo told reporters on July 30 that the decision was difficult but correct. He said, “I made the decision myself. Honestly, I think it was the right call. Through this political activity, I have solidified my resolve.” Yet his own party expressed doubt about holding the event during active earthquake rescue and recovery efforts. The timing drew criticism for appearing tone-deaf to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in neighboring Kumamoto.

Final Thoughts

Matsuo’s decision to proceed with the fundraiser during an active earthquake response damaged his credibility despite his stated intention to address corruption allegations. The event highlighted tensions between political necessity and public perception during a natural disaster.

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