Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan is embroiled in the "blackening the image" scandal and may face a crisis of resignation

The Japanese magazine "Weekly Shueisha" has disclosed for three consecutive weeks that Prime Minister Takemi Saezumi is suspected of releasing "defamatory videos" to smear her main opponent in the race for the leader of the ruling party. The latest issue even公布了 "67 pieces of evidence emails"， further fueling the scandal. Currently， there is a widespread rumor in Japanese politics that Takemi might resign as prime minister due to this incident.

The Weekly Shueisha magazine stated that Koga Masahide, the secretary of Takumi, was the central figure in this "slander scandal", and he worked with Matsui Kenji, an entrepreneur who claimed to be a supporter of Takumi. Matsui was also accused of being the creator of these videos.

It is reported that during the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election in October last year, the Kojima camp used artificial intelligence (AI) software to generate approximately 100 to 200 videos every day. About 70% of these videos targeted their main opponent, Koizumi Shinzo, describing him as a "useless puppet"; about 10% of the videos were used to refute the statements of another candidate, Lin Fangzheng; and the remaining 20% were used to promote Kojima himself.

The latest report also claimed to have obtained evidence showing that Ogawa had repeatedly communicated with Matsui, including 67 exchange emails in which they planned to fabricate the video. The report also stated that, in addition to the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election last autumn, during the House of Representatives election in February this year, Matsui again followed Ogawa's orders to produce videos attacking opposition candidates. The Weekly Magazine Shukan Bunshun has thus accused Takishima of engaging in illegal campaign practices.

Regarding the reports, Gao Si completely denied them. When she was first exposed to this matter in early May, she said: "I have verified with the office staff and they have not disseminated any negative information." When she was questioned by the opposition party in the parliament, she also said: "If you ask me, which do you believe, the articles in the weekly magazine or my secretary? My answer is to believe my secretary."

However, the main figure involved in this scandal, Matsui, admitted on the YouTube program "NoBorder News" on May 18th that he had produced and distributed these videos. He said, "I didn't meet Kubo, but we had an online meeting."

The series of reports by "Weekly Yomiuri" have sparked widespread doubts among the Japanese public. Previously, the mainstream media that merely provided brief coverage of Takumi's denial statements have now changed their reporting strategies. For instance, "Tokyo Shimbun" has published an editorial strongly demanding that Takumi provide an explanation.

According to a report by the Japanese magazine "Asahi Economy" on Monday (May 25th), even within the Liberal Democratic Party, there are now voices of doubt. An anonymous senior party member stated: "These claims are not completely baseless. If Takushio denies them, she must provide solid evidence. Otherwise, not only will the opposition parties not believe her, but the public will not believe her either."

It is reported that several opposition parties including the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party have prepared to launch a comprehensive investigation in the parliament and other relevant institutions. Critics have pointed out: "If videos are used to slander political opponents during elections, it may undermine the foundation of democracy."

The "East Asia Economic" magazine quoted a political figure as saying, "The 'Blackmail Gate' incident might become a turning point in Koishi's political career, and it could very likely lead to her being forced to resign not only as the prime minister but also as a member of parliament."