Nakasone Tells of His Role in Japan Scandal
Former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone emerged virtually unscathed today after testifying before Parliament on his role in Japan’s biggest postwar political scandal.
Nakasone, who had initially refused to testify, took the stand in a crowded parliamentary committee room where he coolly shrugged off questions, as well as some bitter jibes from members of his own ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
He revealed for the first time that he received about $325,000 in illegal political donations from Recruit publishing and telecommunications company while in office.
The Recruit shares-for-favors scandal occurred during his term as premier between 1982 and 1987 and Japanese tradition calls for a leader to take full responsibility.
In answer to one question, Nakasone said he felt deep responsibility for his role in the scandal but would continue as a member of Parliament.
His words were almost drowned out by an interruption from fellow LDP member Koichi Hamada. “We ourselves are in deep trouble because of him,” Hamada shouted.
Other LDP members jeered throughout the session, sometimes making it hard to hear Nakasone.
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