The head of a Japanese IT firm has said that he created videos criticising rivals of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in last year’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential race, after being asked by one of her aides to help her win the election.
Ken Matsui, 33, said in a recent online interview that he was consulted by a secretary of Takaichi on how to “reverse” the lead of Shinjiro Koizumi, then a strong contender to win the LDP presidential election in October.
“I proposed that negative videos would be effective,” he said.
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Matsui was asked about his thoughts during an online meeting on September 25 to discuss social media strategy during the LDP election campaign. The meeting included the secretary who was introduced to him by an acquaintance.
Takaichi won the LDP election on October 4 and became the country’s first female prime minister later that month. She appointed Koizumi as defence minister.
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Speaking in parliament in May, Takaichi denied reports saying her camp spread videos online via anonymous accounts to smear opponents.