TOKYO (TR) – On Wednesday, the site for weekly tabloid Shukan Bunshun reported that Yohei Matsumoto, the minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is engaged in an affair with a married woman.
According to the report, Matsumoto, who is also married, began the affair with the woman about six years ago. During that time, he engaged in secret meetings with her in love hotels and his residence in the House of Representatives building.
A reporter for the magazine approached Matsumoto in Shibuya Ward on the night of March 3. After successfully concluding the Budget Committee session on March 3, Matsumoto relaxed at a members-only bar to watch a Samurai Japan match with his friends.
As the Liberal Democratic Party member was about to head home, the Bunshun reporter asked him about the woman. “I don’t answer questions about my private life,” he said in an official statement sent after the discussion with the reporter.
“Held strictly accountable”
In 2014, Matsumoto married his wife, who is a former employee of recruitment firm Pasona. They have two children.
Matsumoto was elected to the House of Representatives for the seventh time at this year’s election. He first joined the cabinet as education minister in the Sanae Takaichi administration that took office last fall.
He has served as Director of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Youth Bureau and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
According Jiji Press (Mar. 11), Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference, “We are aware of the reports, but will refrain from commenting.”
Meanwhile, Junya Ogawa, leader of the Center Reform Alliance, told reporters in Iwate Prefecture, “Matsumoto will be held strictly accountable.”
