Masatoshi Akimoto's resignation from the Liberal Democratic Party and as parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs due to bribery allegations represents a fall from grace for one of the LDP’s most ardent supporters of renewable energy.
Tokyo prosecutors raided Akimoto’s home and offices on Friday over suspicions that he accepted ¥30 million from Japan Wind Power Development between 2021 and this year, ostensibly in order to pay for a horse. The Lower House lawmaker enjoys horse riding, and in October 2021 he and Japan Wind Power Development President Masayuki Tsukawaki set up a horse owner association to manage racehorses, each owning a 45% share of the association.
Prosecutors, however, believe the money was meant as a bribe in exchange for helping the offshore wind power company, with wind having long been of special interest to Akimoto.