Japanese → English transcript

Earlier at noon, the digital edition of Shūkan Bunsho was released, and in it, your own

follow-up on the scandal has been published, including a candid confession from the woman involved.

So, I cannot just read this out as is, but, Minister, during questioning in the House of Representatives

you admitted that, regarding this matter, you went to your Diet members’ office room with this woman on a regular basis.

However, according to this article,

your explanation and hers are completely opposite. You said you only exchanged views and had a normal conversation,

and that is how you responded. But according to this woman, she clearly says

that you engaged in inappropriate acts. Minister

Matsumoto Yōhei, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: First of all, I would like to apologize

for the article about me in the weekly magazine. On top of that, I would like to answer

your current question. I was also questioned in the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives,

and I gave my answer there, and that answer still stands.

Mr. Sugio Hideya: When you say “that answer,” do you mean the answer in the article?

Matsumoto Yōhei, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: I mean the answer I myself gave.

Mr. Sugio Hideya: According to this woman, after it came to light

you pressured her to give false testimony and demanded that she put it in writing. She talks in such

concrete detail. What do you say to that?

Matsumoto Yōhei, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: I am very sorry, but

since this involves another party, I would like to refrain from commenting.

I hope you will understand.

Mr. Sugio Hideya: You just gave that answer now, and you gave the same answer in the House of Representatives.

But this woman says that you are avoiding a detailed explanation on the grounds that “there is someone else involved,”

yet she herself is prepared to admit everything, and that it is cowardly for you to use her as a shield and run away.

That is what she is saying. What is your response?

Matsumoto Yōhei, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: I am very sorry, but

since this involves another party, I would like to refrain from commenting.

I hope you will understand.

Hideya Sugio: The other side is saying this, what do you think, Minister of Education Matsumoto?

Yes, there are some. What do you think? - Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Matsumoto

Minister of Education Matsumoto: I am very sorry that my answer is repetitive, but

as this involves another party, I would like to refrain from commenting on it,

and I would be grateful for your understanding.

Hideya Sugio: Lastly, there is also this response:

“Yohei-chan, stop lying already.” What do you think?

Minister of Education Yohei Matsumoto: As I have stated so far, including in the House of Representatives,

regarding individual comments, as this involves another party, I must ask for your forbearance,

and I would also be grateful for your understanding. Hideya Sugio:

I hope you will understand. - Hideya Sugio

Hideya Sugio: Just to confirm, have you read the article?

Minister of Education Yohei Matsumoto: During the lunch break, you, Committee Member, also told

the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to have me read it,

but there was not that much time, so in that sense

I did not read it in a way that involved carefully examining every detail, but

I did skim through it. Hideya Sugio:

Hideya Sugio: After reading it, what did you think?

Minister of Education Yohei Matsumoto: Well, this again would amount to a comment on it,

and since this also involves another party, I would like to refrain from stating my impressions.

Hideya Sugio:

If you cannot give an explanation now, then please provide a detailed answer later,

in writing. And please explain in what way this woman is different and how.

Minister of Education Yohei Matsumoto: As this involves another party, I would like to refrain

from making any comment.

The written response— The request for a written response— Minister of Education Yohei Matsumoto:

A written response was requested by Yohei Matsumoto, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

As for providing a response in writing, as this also involves another party,

I would like to refrain from doing so.

Hideya Sugio: I believe you have a duty to explain, moreover—

Minister, right now the budget is under deliberation, isn’t it, including the education-related parts, and the budget itself…

There are also related bills, and some expire on fixed dates. If you do not respond to this sincerely,

it will affect the deliberation of the budget itself. And let me add, for example,

if a schoolteacher did something like this at school, they would resign on their own,

or face disciplinary action. You are yourself the head of education administration—

are you aware of that? Can you really say that with your chest out? What do you say?

Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Yohei Matsumoto: I have just received very harsh criticism

from the member, and I am also receiving various severe opinions from many others.

I would like to accept all of those with sincerity.

I intend to do so.

Next, Mr. Hidetani. This will be my last question. Prime Minister, this is your responsibility as the appointing authority.

I believe there are only two options: you either affirm him and keep him on,

or he resigns. I do not think there is any other choice. What is your view?

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: To begin with, as for the article that was made public

at noon today, I was not given any notice regarding it, so I have not read it.

As of last week, however, there was a report about this in a weekly magazine,

and Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsurahara conducted a hearing with the person himself,

reported back to me, and on that basis I stated in my response that, as a specialist

in education administration, he should firmly make up for it through his work. Beyond that, I have no further information.

Next, Mr. Hidetani. He is the top of education administration, after all, so no matter

how much of a specialist he may be, there is no doubt that his reputation, his “signboard,” has been damaged.

I simply cannot believe he can continue to fulfill his duties as minister like this.

I will now return to my next line of questioning.