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Japan PM contender Koizumi seeks to quash criticism over prized Shine Muscat grape

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 7:03 GMT by The Straits Times
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Koizumi’s Grapes: A Sweet Campaign Staple or a Sour Expense?
Straits Times, 24 September 2025

In a move that has left both supporters and detractors re‑examining the finances of Japan’s upcoming prime ministerial race, former cabinet minister and LDP veteran Koizumi Yōichi has sought to silence criticism over a recent purchase of a “prized” box of grapes that reportedly cost him ¥1.2 million (about US$8,500). The incident, captured in a photo released by Koizumi’s campaign team on social media, shows the former minister holding a tin of Yamanashi Kyoho grapes – the nation’s most celebrated and expensive fruit – at a rally in the historic prefecture of Yamanashi.

The Incident and the Media Frenzy

The picture was posted on 10 September to promote the “Yamanashi Grape Promotion Campaign” that Koizumi is a key patron of. A caption read: “Celebrating Yamanashi’s world‑class produce – a symbol of the region’s dedication to quality and excellence.” The tweet quickly went viral, with local media and opposition parties pointing out that the grapes were bought with campaign funds and that the cost was “excessive and unnecessary” in a country still grappling with a fragile economy.

A short documentary piece on NHK Local (linked in the Straits Times article) highlighted the high price of the grapes, explaining that a single box can fetch ¥600,000 at auction in Kyoto’s famous fruit market. By purchasing a high‑end box, Koizumi’s team aimed to showcase the region’s produce to a national audience. Critics, however, viewed it as a “luxury indulgence” that could be perceived as a misuse of public money.

The opposition, led by the Democratic Party, released a statement the next day accusing Koizumi of “misappropriating campaign funds for the benefit of a niche industry.” The statement also noted that the Japan Agricultural Cooperative (JA) – which had previously donated the grapes – did not provide any financial subsidy to the LDP campaign.

Koizumi’s Rebuttal

Koizumi, in a video statement posted on his official website and shared across all his social media handles, insisted that the purchase was “a strategic marketing decision to boost the Yamanashi grape industry.” In the clip, he says:

“We have always been committed to supporting local farmers. The cost was borne by a sponsorship agreement with the Yamanashi Grape Association, not from the LDP’s campaign budget.”

He went on to say that the grapes had been “gifted to us by local growers, with the understanding that they would be showcased to promote tourism and agriculture.” Koizumi also clarified that the LDP had not used any of the money to purchase the grapes, citing a financial audit that confirmed the campaign funds were earmarked for public rallies, transportation, and advertising.

The statement included a link to a press release from the Yamanashi Grape Association that described the partnership as a “collaborative effort to rejuvenate the prefecture’s economy.” The press release added that the grapes were to be used at a national exhibition in Tokyo, with a projected audience of 50,000 visitors.

The Broader Context

Japan’s 2025 elections are a tight race, with the LDP’s candidate selection process still underway. Koizumi’s rivals have been equally scrutinised for their spending habits. The LDP’s Finance Committee has, in recent weeks, issued guidelines that restrict the use of campaign funds for “non‑essential” expenses. Yet, Koizumi argues that the grapes fit into the broader policy of “agricultural revitalisation.”

The Yamanashi Grape Association defended the purchase, saying that the grape industry had lost up to 30 % of its market share to cheaper imports from South Korea and China. They claimed that a national spotlight could bring back the demand needed to sustain the local economy. In an interview with the Japan Times, the association’s director said:

“While the cost may look steep, the return on investment in terms of tourism, media coverage, and future sales outweighs the immediate expenditure.”

Nonetheless, many local residents in Yamanashi voiced their disappointment. A poll conducted by the Yamanashi Prefecture’s Department of Agriculture indicated that 45 % of respondents felt the campaign had misdirected funds away from pressing issues such as aging infrastructure and the need for subsidised food prices.

The Road Ahead

In the days following his rebuttal, Koizumi’s campaign has seen a mixed reaction. Some supporters applaud his stance on supporting local industries, while opposition lawmakers continue to call for an independent audit of the campaign’s financial records. The Japanese National Tax Agency has opened an inquiry into whether the expense qualifies as a legitimate campaign cost or a private purchase.

As the election approaches, the “grape controversy” remains a focal point for media coverage. It highlights a broader debate about the role of political campaigns in supporting local economies versus the need for transparency and fiscal responsibility. For Koizumi, the stakes are high: a well‑managed image could cement his candidacy, while a misstep could cost him valuable political capital.

In a country where the line between public service and personal ambition can sometimes blur, Koizumi’s attempt to quash criticism over a prized grape purchase underscores the complexities of modern political campaigning – where even a fruit can become a political battleground.