Japanese PM feeling heat after Cabinet's Tanaka admits to crime ties

Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka on Friday apologized that he had associated with members of an organized crime syndicate, after a tabloid magazine reported that he had been presented as top guest of a yakuza member's wedding party.

“If I had known he was a member (of a yakuza group), I would not have been there,” he said, admitting that he had attended the party about 30 years ago.

“I was taken there and realized that they were members of a crime syndicate. I am sorry for having had the kind of relations,” he said.

Opponents have seized the opportunity to criticize Noda's new cabinet, with some demanding the minister's resignation.

“This is unbelievable,” said leading opposition Liberal Democratic Party's Yoshihide Suga in an interview with NTV broadcaster. “Justice minister is literally the guardian of the law. He should resign as he has admitted to it.”

Like the Italian mafia or Chinese triads, the yakuza engage in activities from gambling, drugs and prostitution to loan-sharking, protection rackets, white-collar crime and business conducted through front companies.

The gangs, which are not illegal, have historically been tolerated by the authorities, although there are periodic clampdowns on some of their less savory activities.

Tanaka, who said he has not associated with the yakuza members since the wedding, expressed his intention to stay in his post as justice minister.

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