Editorial: Ethics scandal in Japan s comms ministry highlights need to reform cozy ties
March 5, 2021 (Mainichi Japan) New suspicions that officials from Japan s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications were treated to expensive meals by figures in the communications industry have come to light. It has emerged that officials including Yasuhiko Taniwaki, vice minister for policy coordination at the ministry, dined with figures including the president of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT) with some meal expenses covered. NTT s business and other projects are certified by the communications minister, and it is possible ministry officials violated the National Public Service Ethics Code, which prohibits officials from receiving entertainment from interested parties. The ministry has launched an investigation into the allegations.
Officials with influence over policy at the communications ministry have also admitted to dining with NTT President Jun Sawada, in a further violation of ethics policy.
Yasuhiko Taniwaki, vice minister for policy coordination at the telecommunications ministry, answers questions during an Upper House Budget Committee session on March 3. (Kotaro Ebara)
Senior telecommunications ministry officials were treated to expensive meals by telecommunications giant NTT group, a possible ethics code violation, Bunshun Online reported on March 3.
An official of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp.’s public relations division told The Asahi Shimbun that the meals in question did take place and the company is investigating.
Yasuhiko Taniwaki, vice minister for policy coordination at the telecommunications ministry, was among the officials reported to have attended the eating and drinking sessions.
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