#Japan #Tokyo #Moritomo Gakuen #Finance Ministry #Katayama

Overview of the Press Briefing with Finance Minister Katayama

On April 14, 2023, Finance Minister and Cabinet Office Special Advisor Shunichi Katayama held a press briefing to discuss the recent disclosure of documents related to the Moritomo Gakuen case. This event marked the seventh disclosure, revealing approximately 28,000 pages of documents, including administrative documents and electronic data stored within the Ministry of Finance and the Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau's shared folders.

Key Points from the Briefing

During the briefing, Minister Katayama highlighted that this disclosure brings to an end the release of major documents related to the Moritomo Gakuen issue. He indicated that additional scrutiny was conducted on over 310,000 pages of documents previously deemed unrelated, confirming that some of them contained references to Moritomo Gakuen. As a result, attachments, including ten email files connected to former employee Akagi, were included in this release due to their relevance.

Despite the completion of the disclosure of significant documents, Minister Katayama noted that future efforts would focus on handling the remaining documents. He assured that the goal is to respond appropriately to the requests made by the bereaved families, emphasizing efficiency in the forthcoming disclosures.

Privacy Concerns

One core aspect of the session dealt with the non-disclosure of specific audio and video files due to privacy concerns related to individuals involved. These files’ personal content was deemed sensitive, which could possibly infringe on privacy rights if released. Moreover, efforts were made to address family requests by producing transcriptions while anonymizing personal information.

In response to questioning regarding the decision to not disclose certain documents, including personal notes from employees, Minister Katayama explained that these contain sensitive information and could potentially harm individual rights and the free expression of thoughts, thus qualifying as non-disclosable under the Information Disclosure Law.

Minister's Reflection

Addressing the press, Minister Katayama reflected on the importance of the process, emphasizing a commitment to addressing the concerns of the bereaved families affected by these incidents. He expressed sympathy for their situation and the need for a thorough approach to the unfolding details of the case.

When pressed about the lack of disclosure of certain notes that had previously generated expectations for release, Minister Katayama maintained that the determination was made based on existing privacy laws and the potential implications for the individuals involved.

Conclusion

Overall, the briefing underscored the procedural complexities surrounding the Moritomo Gakuen case’s documentation and the ongoing commitment of the finance ministry to transparency while adhering to legal guidelines concerning privacy. Minister Katayama reaffirmed that despite the completion of major document disclosures, further evaluations will continue regarding the remaining files to ensure a responsible and systematic approach. The session concluded with plans for additional briefings to provide a clearer picture of the situation as further disclosures are pursued.