Lower House member Takaya Muto, who quit the Liberal Democratic Party on Wednesday over allegations of a financial scandal, has come under fire among his constituents in Shiga Prefecture for betraying their trust, and faces an uncertain future as an independent politician.
The controversial 36-year-old lawmaker was first elected to the Lower House in December 2012. He won re-election last December by a margin of nearly 20,000 votes. Muto represents Shiga's No. 4 district, which includes Omihachiman, known among modern gourmands as the center of Omi beef.
On Thursday, LDP coalition partner Komeito weighed in on the controversy.