Revelations that Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama received ¥900 million from his mother — allegedly as a loan — has put the Democratic Party of Japan on the defensive, as opposition parties, the ex-long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party in particular, seek to grill the fledgling administration over the dubious funding.
Although many criticize Hatoyama as the heir of a political dynasty who lacks common sense, they also acknowledge he is likely to emerge from the scandal relatively unscathed.
"There was some deliberate misconduct" on Hatoyama's part that should not be overlooked, Nihon University professor Tomoaki Iwai said. "But this issue is unlikely to lead to the downfall of the administration or Hatoyama's resignation." There is no indication, the political funds expert pointed out, that Hatoyama accepted the shady donation for personal gain.