The Finance Ministry on Friday asked broadcaster TV Asahi to cooperate in looking into sexual harassment allegations against its top bureaucrat who has offered to step down.
The request came after TV Asahi revealed one of its female reporters was a victim of sexual harassment by Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda and protested to the ministry on Thursday. The broadcaster said it will "carefully consider" what to do regarding the request.
"We take the protest seriously. We'd like to hear your side of the story in a way that is acceptable to you," senior ministry official Koji Yano said in a statement to TV Asahi.
Earlier in the month, weekly magazine Shukan Shincho reported Fukuda had made sexually suggestive comments to female reporters. It also released an audio clip of Fukuda allegedly asking a female reporter if he could give her a kiss and hug.
Following the report, Fukuda denied the allegations and said he was not sure the voice was his. But he announced his intention to resign on Wednesday.
The Finance Ministry has asked female reporters who feel they been sexually harassed by Fukuda to come forward and contact lawyers it has appointed, as Finance Minister Taro Aso believes it is necessary to hear both sides.
But politicians, lawyers, and people supporting sexual harassment victims have criticized the ministry's approach as lacking sensitivity and neutrality.
Opposition party lawmakers boycotted scheduled Diet committee sessions on Friday, stepping up calls for Aso to step down.
Related coverage:
Social media in Japan defends allegedly sexually harassed TV Asahi reporter
TV Asahi protests to Finance Ministry over alleged sexual harassment
"Can I touch your boobs?"- Harassment scandal shakes Japan's troubled Finance Ministry
