Press Conference by KATAYAMA Satsuki, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

(Friday, October 31, 2025, 9:58 am to 10:10 am)

Q.

I would like to ask about Iwaki Shinkumi Bank in Fukushima Prefecture. The issue of fraudulent financing has long been pointed out, but it has now come to light that there is suspicion that funds were provided to stop the street campaigning activities of a political organization. What is your view on the response to this? In particular, given reports that a business improvement order may be issued, I would like to hear your thoughts on the Financial Services Agency (FSA)’s response.

A.

As the Chairperson of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)’s Research Commission on the Finance and Banking Systems, I have heard in closed meetings that this is a very serious issue. While media reports seem to be emerging ahead of public announcements, Iwaki Shinkumi Bank itself will make the necessary disclosures, and FSA will naturally do the same. Therefore, given my position, I believe it would be best to refrain from commenting on the situation at this time.