TV Asahi Reporter Sexually Harassed by Top Finance Bureaucrat

   Tokyo, April 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan's TV Asahi Corp. said Thursday that one of its female reporters was a victim of the alleged sexual harassment by Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda, who tendered his resignation the previous day.
   TV Asahi plans to lodge a protest with the Finance Ministry, Hiroshi Shinozuka, director and head of the company's news bureau, told a press conference held in the small hours.
   The Shukan Shincho weekly magazine reported that Fukuda repeatedly made sexual harassment remarks to female journalists during meetings and released online what it claims is audio recording of Fukuda's sexually explicit conversations.
   On Wednesday evening, Fukuda announced his resignation, citing difficulty continuing his duties after the scandal came to light. But he denied the sexual harassment allegations and expressed his intention to bring the matter to court.
   Fukuda reiterated his claims Thursday morning, after TV Asahi's announcement.

(2018/04/19-11:20)