Japanese Minister Admits He Met Head Of Former Unification Church
Japan's economic revitalization minister says he has met with the current head of the religious group previously known as the Unification Church.
Yamagiwa Daishiro disclosed at a news conference on Monday that he met Han Hak-ja at a gathering held by the group in Tokyo four years ago.
Yamagiwa is under fire for failing to fully make clear his connections to the group.
Earlier, he failed to report attending the Tokyo event in a survey by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
After it was pointed out that he was present at the event, his office made an additional report to the party.
The office said last week that it reported the event was hosted by a body related to the group, suggesting it was not the group itself.
Commenting on the report, Yamagiwa said on Monday that it was a "clerical mistake." He said he was aware the gathering was held by the group, and believed it was reported as such. He said he would make a correction.
Yamagiwa added that he had a memory that he had met with Han somewhere, but was unable to confirm it as his office did not have records of it.
He said he was aware that he must be held accountable and apologized for not giving a full explanation.
He denied having any further connections to the group.