In the latest development of a widening conflict of interest scandal involving his ministry and the titan, Shukan Bunshun reported that
His action could be a violation of the National Public Service Ethics Law prohibiting central government officials from receiving favors from companies in sectors they regulate. Meals expected to cost more than
Following this, Takeda had repeatedly explained in parliament that he will not accept any invitations to "dinners or meetings which could raise suspicion among the public."
In the wake of the latest report by the magazine, Takeda told people close to him that he just dropped by the gathering but that he did not dine with them, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Takeda's office told
The gathering at a Japanese restaurant in a hotel in
JR Central said the dinner actually took place with Kasai present, and that the three exchanged opinions on space-related business.
At the time of the gathering,
==Kyodo
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