Fukuoka assembly approves inquiry into alleged payments linked to leadership posts

Fukuoka's prefectural assembly approved the establishment of an Article 100 investigative committee after extended debate, TBS NEWS DIG reported early on October 17. The committee is intended to examine alleged payments connected to speaker and deputy-speaker posts. TBS said the assembly's September regular session extended its sitting and closed in the early hours, with the proposal submitted by nine lawmakers approved on the final day. [ 11 ]

The proposal also sought to investigate costly overseas inspection trips, according to TBS, Asahi Shimbun and Nippon TV News. Its nine sponsors included members of smaller caucuses and two lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party caucus. On October 15, sponsors asked that the proposal be debated and voted on directly at the full assembly on October 16, bypassing referral to a standing committee, TBS reported. [ 1 , 4 , 9 ]

Asahi described an Article 100 committee as a special investigative body under the Local Autonomy Act, with powers to require the attendance of people concerned and the submission of evidence and records. It said penalties apply to false testimony and to refusals to testify without a valid reason. Nippon TV reported that a separate third-party investigation by lawyers had already begun. [ 4 , 9 ]

The procedural dispute interrupted the plenary session and extended discussions into the night. Asahi reported that major caucuses argued for committee scrutiny first, while sponsors sought an immediate plenary vote. Nippon TV said caucus representatives raised concerns about the proposed investigation period and protecting people involved from online attacks. Its October 16 report said assembly managers had decided on referral to a committee; TBS's later report announced that establishing the inquiry had been approved. [ 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]