Tokyo, Nov. 9 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara on Monday denied media reports claiming that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi drank alcohol before skipping an online summit of the Group of Seven major nations in October. The reports are “based on assumptions and speculation,” Kihara told a press conference. The prime minister did not drink any alcohol at all in order to be prepared for the possibility that she might need to attend the meeting herself, Kihara said. “I want to make this point clear,” he said. The videoconference was held on the night of Oct. 2., with a senior deputy minister for foreign affairs attending on behalf of Takaichi. A few hours earlier, Takaichi had dined with executives of her ruling Liberal Democratic Party, including LDP Vice President Taro Aso, at the prime minister’s official residence. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yusuke Nakanishi, who was also present at the dinner, told parliament that alcohol was served at the gathering. Another participant told reporters that the prime minister had also drunk alcohol at the dinner. Regarding the prime minister’s absence from the videoconference, Kihara said the government considered Takaichi’s participation but “took account of various factors,” including the scheduling of the meeting at very short notice and the lack of time for administrative preparations, including arrangements for the necessary equipment. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
