"Make Up for It Through Work"... Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Defends Minister Amid 'Affair Scandal'

Allegations of Secret Meetings with a Married Woman at Love Hotels and Parliamentary Offices
Despite Opposition Pressure, Takaichi Says "Make Amends Through Your Work"

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced that she will not dismiss Yohei Matsumoto, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, who is embroiled in allegations of an affair.

According to Kyodo News and other Japanese media on March 12, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to opposition lawmakers' questions about Minister Matsumoto's alleged affair during a House of Representatives budget committee meeting that day, saying, "I hope he will make up for this through his work," and added, "I want him to fulfill his duties diligently."

Yohei Matsumoto, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, suspected of an extramarital affair. Japan NHK

Minister Matsumoto also stated, "I will continue to do my best going forward."

Speaking to reporters, Minister Matsumoto apologized, saying, "I am very sorry to my supporters and family." Regarding the affair reports, he explained, "This is something from the past. My wife reproached me, and the matter has already been resolved within our family."

Previously, the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported allegations that Minister Matsumoto had been in a relationship with a married woman, referred to as Ms. A, since 2020. Minister Matsumoto married in 2014 and has two children.

According to the report, from 2020 to 2022, Minister Matsumoto and Ms. A reportedly met privately in meeting rooms and love hotels. On weekends when his secretary was absent, he is said to have called Ms. A to his office at the House of Representatives members' building. The magazine also reported that Minister Matsumoto once said, "I really dislike Prime Minister Takaichi."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.