Minister denies sexual misconduct claims

TOKYO: Japan’s vice-finance minister denied sexual misconduct allegations against him and challenged a TV station’s report that its employee was a victim.

Junichi Fukuda (pic) announced his resignation on Wednesday, citing difficulty carrying out his duties amid escalating criticism and attention on him since the allegations surfaced a week ago.

He denied making sexually suggestive remarks after TV Asahi identified the victim as one of its female employees.

The Weekly Shincho magazine published sexually suggestive remarks that Fukuda allegedly made to an unidentified female reporter in her 30s.

The magazine released parts of what it said was an audio recording of Fukuda’s remarks, alleging that he routinely made similar comments to female reporters in private conversations.

Fukuda yesterday told reporters that his comments were taken out of context.

“You should be able to tell it’s not sexual harassment if you examine the whole (conversation),” he said.

Fukuda added that he was “not aware of making any remark that could be taken as sexual harassment”.

In the alleged conversation, the man described as Fukuda says “I want to kiss you” and repeatedly asks questions such as, “Can I touch your breasts?” and “Can I tie your hands?”

The magazine defended its reporting and released a follow-up story yesterday with more details of Fukuda’s allegedly obscene talk, but without identifying the victim. — AP