History of Cherry blossom scandal in Timeline

The Cherry Blossom Scandal, a political controversy in Japan, centered on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and alleged misuse of political funds related to inviting his constituents from Yamaguchi Prefecture to the annual government-funded cherry blossom viewing party. Accusations included using the event for personal gain and violating political funds control laws. The scandal raised concerns about transparency and fairness in government spending, triggering public criticism and calls for investigation into Abe's conduct and potential conflicts of interest.

1952: Annual Cherry Blossom Parties Begin

Since 1952, the Japanese government has held annual parties in April to view cherry blossoms.

2015: Allegations Against Shinzo Abe

In 2015, allegations arose that then-prime minister Shinzo Abe's political support group paid for dining expenses for his constituents from Yamaguchi Prefecture.

2016: Subsidization of viewing parties

Between 2016 and 2019, the cherry blossom viewing parties were subsidized with 30 million yen by Abe's support group.

2018: Accusations Against Abe

In 2018, opposition lawmakers accused Shinzo Abe of covering for guests at an expensive Tokyo hotel in one of the cherry blossom viewing parties, where guests only paid five thousand Japanese yen.

November 2019: Tamura Accuses Abe of Mishandling Funds

In November 2019, Tomoko Tamura, a Diet member affiliated with the Japanese Communist Party, accused Shinzo Abe of mishandling funds regarding the cherry blossom viewing parties.

2019: Abe's Cronyism Allegations

In 2019, Shinzo Abe was alleged to have brought 850 people from his constituency to the cherry blossom viewing party, leading to allegations of cronyism. On April 13, 2019, 18,000 attendees were invited, and the 850 who dined with Abe did so at the Hotel New Otani for five thousand yen.

November 2020: Report Alleges False Accounts by Abe

On November 24, 2020, the Research Bureau of the House of Representatives of Japan published a report alleging that Shinzo Abe had provided false accounts of spending during diet sessions in 2019 and 2020.

2020: Abe's Support Group Funded Dinners

From 2019 to 2020, Abe's support group funded at least 33 dinners. In 2020, Abe's successor, Yoshihide Suga, ended the annual cherry blossom viewing parties upon taking office.

2020: Abe Not Indicted, Aide Charged

In 2020, after Abe's resignation as Prime Minister, prosecutors declined to indict him for payments made to attendees of the cherry blossom viewing parties, but did press charges against one of his aides, Hiroyuki Haikawa.