Renowned Japanese writer: "A fraud has become Prime Minister"

On June 8, Hitoshi Hirano, a 50-year-old winner of the prestigious Akutagawa Literary Prize, published an article on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing Takayuki Kōchi for repeatedly evading accountability over her campaign's use of defamatory videos against opponents. Hirano expressed strong discomfort with Kōchi’s evasive justifications during her parliamentary questioning.

In April this year, *Shukan Bunshun* reported that Kōchi’s campaign was suspected of producing defamatory videos targeting rival candidates.

On June 3, recordings from a Zoom meeting between Kōchi’s secretary, Kinoshita, and the video producer in December of last year were made public, confirming Kinoshita’s voice.

During the House of Representatives Budget Committee session on June 4, Izō Shinichi of the Chūdō Reform Alliance stated that he had contacted Kōchi at noon the previous day to verify whether the audio was indeed Kinoshita’s, but Kōchi claimed she had been too busy preparing her rebuttal all night to respond. Furthermore, Izō cited Kōchi’s own words: “The audio was paid for; as of now, my statements are irrelevant. I don’t intend to become a paying customer for a magazine that fabricates stories I don’t know about and deliberately manipulates narratives.” He emphasized that she did not personally verify the authenticity of the audio itself.

In response to this incident, Hirano questioned: “Do you believe democratic journalism is essential—but always non-profit?” He pointed out: “The Prime Minister lives in a society that is far too childish.”

Hirano also referenced Kōchi’s falsified work history on May 11, stating she “dares to appear on television with fabricated credentials,” even going so far as to claim: “A fraud has become Prime Minister.”

On the same month’s 29th, he remarked: “Regrettably, many voters still hold hopes for Kōchi.”

Meanwhile, new testimonies have emerged regarding the video production. According to Masashi Matsui, the head of the IT company responsible for the project, Kōchi’s secretary once consulted him on how to shift the momentum against Koizumi Shinjiro, and was advised to adopt negative publicity tactics. Matsui revealed that approximately 1,000 to 1,500 short videos featuring Koizumi Shinjiro and Hayashi Hōsei were created using specialized generative AI software. The AI was programmed to avoid defamatory expressions, and these videos were disseminated across around 300 social media accounts.

"To be honest, she may have gone too far."

"We must swiftly establish strict regulations to ensure Japan’s entire electoral process is not tainted by AI-generated corruption."

"Political integrity is crucial."

"Saying something as childish as 'Shukan Bunshun’s 300-yen membership fee' shows a lack of sincerity toward the public."

"The Prime Minister should resign immediately."

Kōchi is now being pushed into a difficult position. The Japanese public is closely watching how long her parliamentary excuses will hold up—and how she will be held accountable.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1867448428224512/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.