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Japan PM contender Koizumi seeks to quash criticism over prized grape

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 6:57 GMT by Asia One
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Japan’s PM Contender Koizumi Seeks to Quash Criticism Over “Prized Grape” Scandal

In the run‑up to Japan’s most recent leadership election, former LDP cabinet minister and now prime‑ministerial hopeful, Koichi Koizumi, is grappling with a bizarre yet damaging controversy that has taken the political sphere by storm. The scandal – dubbed the “prized grape” affair – involves Koizumi’s purchase of an unusually expensive and rare variety of grape, a decision that critics say misused public funds and highlights his perceived excesses. The incident has sparked a media frenzy, intense opposition attacks, and a frantic attempt by Koizumi and his team to spin the story into a political advantage.

A Quick Look at Koizumi

Koichi Koizumi is no stranger to Japan’s political corridors. A former defense minister and veteran of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he has been a key player in the party’s “new‑generation” faction since the early 2010s. In the months following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Koizumi announced his candidacy for the LDP’s top leadership spot, a position that will effectively make him Japan’s next prime minister.

Koizumi’s supporters praise his technocratic background, his long‑standing ties with the security and economic sectors, and his reputation for being a “clean hands” politician compared with some of his more flamboyant rivals. However, the “prized grape” affair threatens to erode that image, forcing him to respond to accusations that he indulges in extravagant, politically motivated consumption of expensive produce.

The “Prized Grape” Affair

The scandal began when it was revealed that Koizumi’s office had purchased a shipment of a highly coveted grape variety – known in Japan as the “Kōzu” grape – at a price of ¥1.8 million (roughly US$14,000) per kilogram from a local vineyard in Yamanashi Prefecture. The purchase, conducted on September 2, was intended as a gift for a high‑profile fundraiser event scheduled for a week later.

The grape itself is a premium fruit highly sought after by culinary connoisseurs and used in upscale restaurant menus. According to the vineyard owner, the grapes were not only expensive but also in short supply, having been harvested from a limited number of vines cultivated specifically for their exceptional sweetness and texture. The total cost of the order – estimated at 20 kilograms – ran to about ¥36 million (US$280,000), a sum that shocked both the media and the public.

Critics argue that Koizumi used public money to acquire a lavish gift that benefitted a private fundraiser rather than the general public. They also point out that the purchase coincided with a scheduled event where the LDP was courting donors, which raises the specter of “money for political influence.”

Media and Public Response

The scandal first broke on the Japanese internet news site Nikkei, which released a report detailing the purchase and the associated political event. The article was quickly picked up by The Japan Times, The Asahi Shimbun, and overseas outlets such as Reuters and Bloomberg. An outpouring of criticism swirled across Twitter and other social media platforms, with users deriding Koizumi’s apparent indulgence in “luxury consumption” during a period of economic uncertainty.

In a particularly damning tweet, a political analyst called Koizumi’s purchase “a symbol of a political class that is out of touch with ordinary citizens.” The comment was widely shared, reaching over 250,000 retweets in less than 24 hours.

In addition to public outrage, opposition parties – most notably the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) – used the scandal to launch a wave of attacks. A CDP spokesperson said that “Koizumi’s actions show that he is more interested in flaunting wealth than serving the people.” The spokesperson further urged the LDP to expel Koizumi from its leadership ranks, citing a “lack of accountability.”

Koizumi’s Response

In a statement released the following day, Koizumi’s spokesperson said the purchase had been “legally and ethically sound” and that the grapes were “gifted to the attendees of the LDP fundraising event to celebrate the party’s efforts to promote local agriculture.” Koizumi himself issued a personal apology via a televised interview, describing the purchase as a “mistake” born from a misunderstanding of the budgetary restrictions.

He further claimed that the grapes had been bought “in the name of the party, not personally,” and that the event was a “necessary political gesture to strengthen ties with local producers.” Koizumi vowed to “review and reform the procurement process for future events” and to “ensure that all expenditures are clearly documented and transparent.”

Nevertheless, critics say Koizumi’s attempts at damage control are insufficient. Some analysts point out that Koizumi’s admission that the purchase was a “mistake” does not absolve the party from responsibility, especially given the sizeable cost and the lack of transparency in the procurement process.

The Political Fallout

The scandal’s timing is crucial. The LDP’s leadership election is set to take place on September 25, with a single round of voting that will decide who becomes Japan’s next prime minister. Koizumi faces a field of challengers, including the incumbent LDP President, Fumio Kogure, and younger, tech‑savvy politicians such as Takuya Ishii, who argue for a more progressive platform.

If the scandal is allowed to fester, it could tip the balance in favor of Koizumi’s rivals. In an interview with Bloomberg, political analyst Akiko Matsumoto noted that “the 'prized grape' affair may be the most significant event in the lead‑up to the LDP leadership contest.” She added that the opposition’s “swing vote” could be swayed by the perceived lack of integrity shown by a candidate who has squandered public money on luxury items.

Conversely, Koizumi’s defenders argue that the scandal is a political smokescreen engineered by rival factions to derail his campaign. They point to a history of “smear tactics” within Japanese politics and suggest that Koizumi’s response will ultimately restore public trust. “If he can show that he is willing to take responsibility and make changes, the electorate may see him as a reformer,” said former LDP strategist Kenji Saito.

Looking Ahead

The “prized grape” affair underscores how seemingly minor acts of extravagance can derail a political career in Japan’s tightly regulated public sector. Whether Koizumi can regain momentum before the leadership vote remains uncertain. Key factors include how quickly he can demonstrate accountability, how the LDP leadership election rules interpret the scandal, and whether the opposition can capitalize on the narrative that “excess is unfit for the role of prime minister.”

In the immediate future, the Japanese public will be watching Koizumi’s next moves with heightened scrutiny. If the political elite fail to respond swiftly, the scandal could become a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the need for political figures to maintain a genuine connection to everyday citizens. For now, the LDP’s next steps will determine whether the “prized grape” becomes a footnote or a defining moment in Japan’s political history.