Japanese congressman was criticized for showing off his wealth after eating a NT$37,000 sushi meal, saying he paid for it at his own expense and refusing to apologize

(Central News Agency reporter Dai Yazhen, Tokyo, 8th) Koushi Watanabe, a member of Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo, Japan, recently shared on social media that he and his wife spent 180,000 yen on a meal at a high-end sushi restaurant. Unexpectedly, netizens criticized politicians for being too extravagant and not understanding the lives of ordinary people. However, Watanabe was not to be outdone. He emphasized that he spent his own money on meals and did not use public funds. He did not feel the need to apologize to voters at all.

Watanabe recently posted on X and lamented: "Five years ago, a meal for two people cost 100,000 yen. However, due to the sushi craze and rising prices, the price will increase every time I visit. Now it costs 180,000 yen (approximately NT$37,000) for two people. In the past two years alone, it has increased by about 40,000 yen."

He originally just shared his dining experience, but unexpectedly caused controversy. Some netizens criticized "Is it really okay for politicians to waste money like this?", thinking that he showed off his wealth and was out of touch with ordinary people's lives. However, some people feel sorry for him and believe that spending their own money to eat better is inherently personal freedom.

In the face of criticism, Watanabe said on the Japanese online program ABEMA Prime that as early as 10 years ago, before he was elected as a member of the assembly, he often shared delicious food on social media, ranging from high-end restaurants that cost tens of thousands of yen a meal to affordable restaurants that cost 1,000 yen. After being elected as a member of the assembly, he did not deliberately change his posting habits.

Watanabe emphasized that the 180,000 yen meal of sushi was entirely paid for by the couple themselves. No political donations or public funds were used, and no special treatment was obtained by virtue of being a member of parliament. Therefore, he did not think he had done anything wrong. He bluntly said, "I do not think I have done anything to be sorry for the 2,633 Shinjuku residents who voted for me." He also did not regret the post.

Tokyo Minato Ward Councilor Shinto Kana, who is also a local councilor, also came out to express support. She believed that whether politicians can do a good job is completely different from whether they can eat high-end sushi. Members cannot be required to live a frugal life. She said more directly, "If you don't like such a politician, just don't vote for him next time."

She also pointed out that the treatment system for Japanese parliamentarians and local councilors is different. "District councilors do not receive special benefits at the airport, nor can they ride on the Shinkansen green carriages for free. The government activity fee is about 150,000 yen per month, and a receipt must be attached. Basically, no local government allows this money to be used for meals."

Shindo believes that some critics may mistakenly believe that local councilors can also use tax dollars to entertain themselves, confusing different systems.

Political scientist Oi Akakai pointed out that the Japanese people actually have quite contradictory views on politicians. They usually refer to legislators as "teachers", but as long as there is a little controversy, they are easily criticized. Especially in the eyes of the younger generation, politicians are often associated with negative images such as "taking a nap in Congress", "free rides on the green carriages of the Shinkansen", and "driving around in propaganda trucks to disturb the people during the election".

He believes that politicians are ordinary people and do not need to be frugal in their private lives. However, Japan did have "dining politics" in the past and was used to socializing in high-end restaurants. This political culture does need to be improved.

As for the turmoil caused this time, Watanabe thinks it is not all a bad thing. He said that the annual salary of a Shinjuku Ward council member is about 11 million yen. Regardless of whether he eats high-end sushi or not, the salary is the same. At least through this controversy, more people will know about the treatment of local council members and can also pay attention to local politics. As for whether he would lose votes as a result, he didn't care too much.