On May 25, Japan's political scene was once again thrust into the spotlight by the so-called "smear gate" scandal. Japan's weekly magazine *Shukan Bunshun* has continued for a third consecutive week to release investigative findings, unveiling alleged "67 key communication records," directly targeting Prime Minister Sanae Higashi's campaign team.
Playing with fire, could Sanae Higashi’s resignation be inevitable?
Prime Minister Sanae Higashi is currently embroiled in a political crisis comparable to the Watergate scandal. Based on the latest irrefutable evidence exposed by *Shukan Bunshun* on May 25 and the intense reactions within Japan's political arena, the likelihood of Higashi escaping unscathed is virtually nonexistent—her risk of resignation, or even political "execution," is rapidly escalating.
The essence of this scandal lies in an organized abuse of AI technology by Higashi’s campaign team to defame political rivals and manipulate elections. According to three weeks of in-depth investigations by *Shukan Bunshun* and the newly released 67 key communications (including text messages, encrypted chat logs, and online meeting records), the chain of evidence is now crystal clear:
Higashi’s chief secretary, Takashi Kishimoto, directly coordinated with video producer Ken Matsui.
Daily use of AI software to generate between 100 and 200 short videos.
The content ratio of these videos was extremely deliberate: 70% aimed at discrediting then-top rival Shintaro Ishin (portraying him as a "powerless puppet"); 10% directed against another candidate, Yoshimasa Hayashi; the remaining 20% used to glorify and promote Prime Minister Higashi herself.
Faced with overwhelming media accusations, Higashi adopted a firm denial stance. During her parliamentary defense, she insisted that neither she nor her team had done anything wrong, repeatedly emphasizing, “Compared to reports from weekly magazines, I choose to believe my secretary.”
However, this approach—denying without providing evidence—has failed to convince the public and instead accelerated the collapse of her political credibility.
Currently, Higashi is under relentless pressure from multiple fronts, with any single force capable of bringing down her administration:
Opposition parties launching a full-scale counterattack: They are preparing to initiate a comprehensive investigation in parliament. They argue that using AI to systematically defame opponents is a serious violation of law, and if election fraud is confirmed, the opposition will immediately introduce a motion of no confidence in the cabinet.
Even more damaging than the opposition’s offensive is the internal betrayal within the ruling party. Higashi’s cabinet support rate has plummeted from 53% in April to just 32% recently, while disapproval has surged to 58%. Senior figures within the Liberal Democratic Party—including leaders from factions like the Asō faction—have begun weighing their options, concluding that if Higashi cannot produce concrete proof to clear her name, she must resign in disgrace.
In summary, Higashi had long cultivated a political image of fairness and strength. But this scandal has not only dealt a devastating blow to her integrity but also exposed the deep-seated misuse of AI technology in Japan’s electoral politics. Surrounded by irrefutable evidence, public opinion, opposition forces, and internal dissent, Higashi’s political career is highly likely to end in resignation—or even a complete exit from politics altogether. (Disclaimer: This article reflects solely personal views.)
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866263873803276/
Statement: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.