Fukuoka Mayor Soichiro Takashima said he rejected a request for ¥50 million after deciding to run in the 2010 mayoral election, describing the experience as deeply shocking. Speaking at a news conference on July 8, Takashima confirmed details published in his 2018 book, saying an assembly member he had never previously met told him large sums of money were necessary to contest the election. Takashima said he clearly refused the request and emphasized that the incident left a lasting impression. He also commented on the ongoing controversy over alleged cash payments in the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, saying the reports had harmed the city’s reputation nationwide. Source: NHK News / TVQ News
Photo: TVQ News
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