The Hidden Supplies Incident was an event during which the former Imperial Japanese Armed Forces issued a notice to sell off precious metals, diamonds, and munitions, and other valuables which were confiscated from civilians during the Second World War before the Allied occupation.[1][2]
Later, in 1947, it was discovered that this money was being used for bribing politicians through Karoku Tsuji (President of Nippon Chemical Industries, one of the supporters of the Rikken Seiyūkai and the Liberal Party).[3]
The Special Committee on Investigation of Illicit Property Transactions was established in the House of Representatives to investigate the matter. Utilizing the power to investigate national affairs stipulated in the Japanese Constitution, many prominent individuals in politics and business were summoned. This investigation led to the early collapse of the Ashida Cabinet in 1948.[2]
In addition, a "Hidden and Stored Materials Incident Investigation Department" was established in the public prosecutor's office, which was established based on the Public Prosecutors Office Law enacted on April 16 of the same year. It later became the Special Investigation Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office.
