Since news of the wrongdoing broke in November, ten people associated with the ldp, including three lower-level parliamentarians, have been indicted in a wide-ranging criminal probe. Four cabinet ministers have been sacked.
Minor scandals and unpopularity have since dogged his government, even as he has pursued ambitious policies, including major reforms to Japanese security policy. Apparently unfazed by his worsening ratings, Mr Kishida defied the many sceptics who questioned his staying power.