"After Staying at Hotel with Affair Partner, Japanese Lawmaker Resigns Amid Embezzlement Allegations"

LDP's Hirose Megumi Resigns from House of Councillors
Created 'Ghost Secretary' to Embezzle 4 Million Yen Salary

Megumi Hirose (57, female), a member of the House of Councillors from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who sparked controversy due to an affair with a foreign man, has resigned from her position amid allegations of embezzling secretary salaries for a non-existent secretary.

On the 18th, local media including NHK reported that Hirose announced her intention to resign from the House of Councillors on the 15th, and the House accepted her resignation. Hirose, originally from Morioka, Iwate, was first elected to the House of Councillors in July 2022, leveraging her background as an ordinary housewife turned lawyer. At that time, it was the first time in 30 years that the LDP secured a House of Councillors seat in Iwate. Hirose married in 1994 and has two children.

Megumi Hirose, a member of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party's House of Councillors, resigned amid allegations of embezzlement of her secretary's salary following an affair.
[Image source: Screenshot from Megumi Hirose's official website]

However, it was later revealed that she had an affair with a foreign man in October last year, which drew strong public criticism. In March, the local media Daily Shincho reported that Hirose had an affair with a foreign man. The outlet stated, "Hirose drove a red Mercedes and went to a restaurant with a man," adding, "The two spent time together at a hotel until 7 a.m. the next day." It further reported, "She then went straight to the Diet, where she appeared tired during the Budget Committee meeting," and published photos showing Hirose and the foreign man holding hands while walking down the street.

Following the affair allegations, Hirose bowed her head just one day after the report. On her social media (SNS), she said, "I deeply apologize for betraying the trust of those who support me and causing concern due to my immorality, and for betraying my family." She added, "I am truly sorry for causing discomfort and distrust through my reckless actions." While not explicitly confirming the affair, she stated, "I will cherish my family and work harder to regain the trust of those who support me." In response, Japanese citizens expressed opinions such as "It is difficult for someone who betrayed their family to gain public trust," "Pathetic," and "Resign." Eight days after the affair allegations were reported, she held a press conference saying, "I betrayed my husband with my reckless behavior and caused hardship to my children, and I am sorry," adding, "However, my family has forgiven me. I will repay my husband and children for the rest of my life."

While Hirose admitted to the affair, she denied allegations of embezzling secretary salaries. Last year, she registered a woman as her secretary and received a total salary of 4 million yen (approximately 36.46 million KRW). However, the secretary was a "ghost secretary" who did not actually work, and there were suspicions that Hirose herself pocketed the salary. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office’s Special Investigation Division launched an investigation, and ultimately Hirose acknowledged her charges along with her resignation announcement. She said, "I used funds from the secretary's salary to cover office expenses," and apologized sincerely to her supporters and the public, calling it a reckless act.

The by-election caused by Hirose’s resignation is scheduled to be held today, October 27.