[Anchor]
On the day a major earthquake struck Kumamoto, a Japanese politician sparked controversy by holding a fundraising event featuring food, drinks, and performances. Public criticism has intensified further after he offered an explanation defending the decision to go ahead with the party.
Correspondent Mun Junmo reports from Tokyo.
[Reporter]
On the afternoon of the 28th of last month, when a magnitude 7.1 strong earthquake hit Kumamoto, a fundraising party hosted by Matsuo Toshio, head of the Liberal Democratic Party's assembly members group in Fukuoka Prefecture, was held at a hotel in Fukuoka just over 100 kilometers away, an hour and a half after the quake.
The event, titled a "Beer Party," was attended by more than 500 people, featuring food, drinks, and even a comedy performance.
Fukuoka also experienced a strong tremor of intensity lower 5 at the time, and Matsuo was aware of the Kumamoto earthquake.
Amid a barrage of criticism, his attempt at an explanation only fueled the controversy.
[Matsuo Toshio / Head of LDP Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Members Group (July 30): (Do you think it was the right decision to hold the party?) Honestly speaking, I think it was the right decision to hold it.]
Even the Governor of Fukuoka criticized the move, questioning whether it was appropriate to hold a gathering with food and drinks in such a situation.
He eventually called a press conference to announce his resignation from his post.
[Matsuo Toshio / Head of LDP Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Members Group (Yesterday): I have expressed my intention to step down on my own. I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort to so many people.]
However, he stated that he would only step down from his party post while retaining his seat as a assembly member.
[Matsuo Toshio / Head of LDP Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Members Group (Yesterday): While keeping my assembly seat, I will work to provide sufficient explanations and restore trust.]
On social media, backlash is spreading, with calls for a campaign to vote him out of office, criticizing him as "someone who cares more about money than a magnitude 7 earthquake."
As a week has passed since the earthquake, support and relief efforts are also pouring in.
Prime Minister Takaichi, who visited the site yesterday (the 3rd), decided during a cabinet meeting in the morning to provide 24.2 billion yen in reserve funds, equivalent to about 220 billion won.
[Sanae Takaichi / Prime Minister of Japan: Reflecting the opinions and requests raised by residents, we must work preemptively with the resolve to "do everything we can do."]
Semiconductor manufacturer TSMC, which resumed normal operations at its Kumamoto plant starting yesterday, also announced it would donate 250 million yen in disaster relief funds, while Japanese broadcasters such as NTV have launched public fundraising campaigns.
(Camera Reporter: Han Chul-min, Mun Hyun-jin | Video Editor: Lee Hong-myung | Designer: Cho Soo-in)
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