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On November 18, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
Regarding the cherry blossom viewing party, the Prime Minister said,
 
“With regard to the dinner banquet that was held the day before the cherry blossom viewing party, no money was paid into either my office or the support group of ABE Shinzo. There were no payments in or out. As no money was paid to my office or the support group of ABE Shinzo for the travel and accommodation costs, which the participants paid directly, or the costs to attend the dinner banquet, no receipts were issued. No receipts were received.”
 
“As I have just explained, the participants paid the accommodation and travel costs directly. As for the costs of the dinner banquet, the hotel issued receipts for these, which were handed out by staff members from my office. In other words, my office did not issue or receive any receipts.”
 
“I have confirmed this with my office, and there was no such thing.”
 
“There were approximately 800 people.”
 
“I meant participants were mainly the guests staying at the hotel and the number was around what I said just now.”
 
“It was not all of them, but it was a large part of them.”
 
“There was no such thing.”
 
“The Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties provides a space for basic coordination and alignment of policies and other matters, while the response by the Diet is left entirely up to the members of the parties.”