The act of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba sending gift vouchers to 15 newly elected members of parliament from his party has sparked criticism. Ishiba, who claimed “I paid for the vouchers myself,” apologized for causing mistrust. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s decision to send 100,000 yen (672 dollars) gift vouchers to 15 first-time members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) stirred up the country’s politics. Responding to criticism by stating “It was not a political donation, I paid for the vouchers myself,” Ishiba expressed his regret over the debates in the public. The Prime Minister said, “Despite there being no legal issues, I sincerely apologize for the sense of mistrust and anger I caused.” Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Ishiba of violating the Political Funds Control Law, which prohibits giving politicians gifts of financial value, and called for his resignation. However, the Prime Minister rejected the accusations, stating that he paid for the gift vouchers from his own pocket. They RETURNED THE VOUCHERS Ishiba had met with the 15 newly elected LDP parliament members for dinner at the official prime ministerial residence on March 3. Prior to the dinner, it was reported to the public that gift vouchers worth 100,000 yen were sent to the office of each member of parliament through the Prime Minister’s Office. Government sources stated that Ishiba gave the gift vouchers, which he paid for himself, as a gesture to help the parliament members buy new suits. The controversial move, which drew the opposition’s ire, stirred up political ethics debates. It was also reported that all the parliament members returned the gift vouchers sent to them.