Distributing gift vouchers to 15 newly elected lawmakers from his party sparked criticism for Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba. Apologizing for causing mistrust by saying “I paid for the vouchers myself,” Ishiba expressed regret for the controversies in the public eye. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), sending 100,000 yen (672 dollars) gift vouchers to 15 first-time elected lawmakers stirred up the country’s politics. Responding to the criticism with “It wasn’t a political donation, I paid for the vouchers myself,” Ishiba stated he was sorry for the debates in the public. The Prime Minister said, “Although there is no legal issue, I sincerely apologize for the sense of mistrust and anger I caused.” Opposition parties called for his resignation, alleging that Prime Minister Ishiba violated the Political Funds Control Law, which prohibits giving politicians gifts with monetary value. The Prime Minister denied the accusations by stating that he paid for the gift vouchers out of his own pocket. THEY RETURNED THE VOUCHERS Ishiba had dinner with the 15 newly elected LDP lawmakers at the official Prime Minister’s residence on March 3rd. Prior to dinner, it was reported that each lawmaker’s office received gift vouchers worth 100,000 yen through the Prime Minister’s Office. Government sources indicated that Ishiba gave the gift vouchers, which he paid for himself, as a gesture to assist the new lawmakers in buying new suits. The move that drew criticism from the opposition led to political ethics debates. It was reported that all lawmakers returned the gift vouchers they had received.