Opposition parties attacked Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on March 14 after he apologized for giving gift certificates to 15 newly elected Lower House members but insisted he broke no law.

This year they’ve handed out 315 certificates and are holding an event to give away another 50 this weekend, providing the veteran use the money on anything except for alcohol or cigarettes.

After giving the certificate (along with a handwritten, sincere thank-you note), I second-guessed my gift, knowing he’d have to kick in some of his own money to cover the meal.