TOKYO (TR) – The chairman of the Japan Teachers’ Union has resigned following a report appearing in a weekly tabloid earlier this year that claimed he diverted union dues for entertaining a mistress.
In a message appearing on the web site of the union, Yasunaga Okamoto, 56, tendered his resignation on Monday in order “to take responsibility” over “worry among members and concerned parties.”
In the October of 20 issue of Shukan Shincho, a four-page feature documented Okamoto’s extra-marital affair with a married hostess. It included claims that Okamoto, who is also married, used dues diverted to himself to pay for drinks and meals at her club.
The magazine included photographs of the pair outside a love hotel in the Ikebukuro area of Toshima Ward. When questioned about the woman and shown the photographs by the magazine, Okamoto claimed to have “no idea” about either.
Poor physical health
Okamoto, who assumed the position of chairman in April, is a native of Oita Prefecture, where his wife and children reside. Between the release of the report and his resignation, Okamoto cited poor physical health for his absence from meetings.
According to NHK (Nov. 30), Okamoto has repaid some inappropriate costs for taxi rides provided to the hostess. However, he denies misusing union dues for personal use.
The message on the union’s web site added that it had confirmed the misappropriation of dues as outlined in the magazine article.