TOKYO: Japan’s First Lady Akie Abe is a freewheeling, flamenco-dancing socialite who once described herself as the “opposition” to husband Shinzo and is now embroiled in a scandal that threatens his career.

The 55-year-old scion of a major confectionery firm has been thrust into the spotlight amid a favoritism and cover-up affair that has battered the prime minister’s popularity.

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