Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated Thursday that she intends to retain education minister Yohei Matsumoto in his post despite a reported extramarital affair.
¡°I asked him to assume (the post), as a specialist in educational administration,¡± Takaichi said at a meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives. ¡°I want him to work hard and carry out his duties.¡±
She responded after Yuki Waseda, deputy leader of the Centrist Reform Alliance, questioned the prime minister¡¯s responsibility for the appointment.
Matsumoto also addressed the committee and said, ¡°The reported matter is an event in the past.¡±
¡°I was reproached by my wife. I sincerely apologized, and my wife accepted my apology,¡± he said. ¡°I would like to continue devoting myself to my duties.¡±
The allegation was reported by Bunshun Online, the digital version of the weekly Shukan Bunshun magazine. According to the report, Matsumoto repeatedly met privately with a married woman and invited her to places including his office at the building for Lower House members.
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