Japan PM denies knowledge of ‘Sanae Token’ cryptocurrency amid focus on secretary
TOKYO — Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on July 27 reiterated that she neither approved nor knew about a cryptocurrency bearing her name, amid allegations that her secretary was involved.
Takaichi rejected any connection to the virtual currency, named “Sanae Token,” during intensive deliberations in the House of Representatives budget committee attended by Takaichi and relevant Cabinet ministers.
“I did not approve of the issuance or trading of crypto assets, nor was I aware of it,” she said.
Takaichi submitted a written statement on July 22 concerning allegations involving Tsuyoshi Kinoshita, her chief public secretary. According to the statement, Kinoshita said he “heard the term ‘Sanae Token'” during communications with business operators connected to Ken Matsui, the figure said to be responsible for the cryptocurrency’s development. Kinoshita said he understood the term referred to “the name of points used within an application” and claimed that “there was no explanation whatsoever that it was a crypto asset.”
Takaichi was also questioned about why Cabinet approval ratings had fallen sharply in multiple media opinion polls. “I do not know the cause,” she said. Regarding the fact that recent surveys contained questions about individual policies, she said, “I take the views and feelings of the public fully into consideration as a reference.”
(Japanese original by Itsuo Tokubo, Political News Department)
