Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has acknowledged distributing catalog gifts to all Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members of the House of Representatives following the recent general election, a move that has sparked controversy and drawn scrutiny from opposition parties as parliamentary debates intensify. According to NHK, Takaichi disclosed the gift distribution through a post on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the catalogs were sent to express appreciation for lawmakers' election efforts and to allow them to select items useful for their political activities at their own discretion. The timing of this revelation coincides with the Upper House's commencement of representative questioning sessions responding to the Prime Minister's policy speech. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has indicated its intention to demand a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the gift distribution during parliamentary proceedings. As reported by NHK, opposition lawmakers are seeking clarification on the nature, value, and purpose of these gifts, raising questions about potential ethical implications and whether such distributions comply with political funding regulations. Multiple Diet member offices have confirmed receiving the catalog gifts, according to Livedoor News, lending credibility to the Prime Minister's acknowledgment. While the exact contents and monetary value of the catalogs have not been publicly disclosed, the distribution to all LDP House of Representatives members represents a significant expenditure that has attracted attention from both political observers and the public. For foreign residents in Japan, this controversy offers insight into the country's political culture and the standards applied to elected officials. Japan maintains strict regulations regarding political donations and gift-giving among politicians, designed to prevent corruption and maintain transparency in government operations. The scrutiny surrounding Takaichi's catalog distribution reflects ongoing concerns about propriety in political conduct, particularly given recent scandals involving political funding that have affected public trust in the LDP. The timing of this controversy is particularly significant as it unfolds alongside discussions about establishing a cross-party "National Council" to debate consumption tax reductions and other economic policies. According to NHK, the government and ruling coalition are considering holding the council's inaugural meeting as early as the following day, with participation from the Democratic Party for the People and the Moderate Reform Coalition. These parties have indicated their willingness to participate based on Prime Minister Takaichi's parliamentary responses, suggesting that her handling of various controversies, including the gift distribution issue, could impact broader policy cooperation. The catalog gift controversy highlights the delicate balance Japanese political leaders must maintain between traditional practices of expressing gratitude and modern expectations of transparency and ethical conduct. While gift-giving holds cultural significance in Japanese society, its application within political contexts faces increasing scrutiny as citizens demand higher standards from their elected representatives. For expats observing Japanese politics, this incident demonstrates how seemingly routine gestures can escalate into significant political controversies when they involve public officials and potentially public or party funds. The opposition's demand for explanations reflects the parliamentary system's checks and balances, where minority parties use question periods to hold the government accountable. As the situation develops, Prime Minister Takaichi's response to opposition questioning will likely influence public perception of her administration's commitment to transparency and ethical governance. The controversy also serves as a reminder that Japan's political landscape, while often characterized by consensus-building, includes vigorous debate over propriety and accountability standards that affect how the country is governed and how public resources are utilized.