March 23, 2010

The Sapporo District Public Prosecutor’s Office on March 22 indicted the top official of the Hokkaido Teachers Union Nagata Hideki for allegedly donating 16 million yen to Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Kobayashi Chiyomi in violation of the Political Funds Control Law.

In addition to Nagata, Kobayashi’s accountant Watanabe Michiru was also indicted on the allegation of being involved in the flow of illegal donations.

This union is affiliated with the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), a major supporter of the DPJ. Rengo has been under fire for forcing its member unions to support a specific party (the DPJ) in election campaigns.

On the night of their indictment, Kobayashi held a press conference in Sapporo City and said that she has no intention to leave the party or resign as a House of Representative member.
- Akahata, March 23, 2010