Junichiro Koga

During his campaign for November's general election, Koga claimed he was a graduate of Pepperdine University in California. Upon hearing of this, however, Pepperdine stated that Koga was not a graduate.

Nevertheless, Koga denied he had lied. He said he thought he had graduated, and flew to the United States in January to meet Pepperdine officials to clear up the matter, only to leave empty-handed.

During recent questioning by police in Fukuoka, Koga reportedly admitted that he lied.

Koga, 46, who reportedly is only a high-school graduate, had also claimed he attended two other California universities, both of which denied this assertion.

Police suspect Koga of publishing false information on his academic record in violation of the Public Office Election Law and intend to refer the case to prosecutors, sources said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 2, 2004
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