Financial Services Minister Kaoru Yosano

"I came to know him when I was serving as international trade and industry minister. He participated in four study meetings and paid the participation fees for each session," said Yosano.

He said the money that he received was listed in a political funds report.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said he has met Murakami several times but that he has never received political donations from him nor has he ever had Murakami manage any of his personal funds.

Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Heizo Takenaka said he does not have any personal relations with Murakami while Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said he has seen Murakami only in media appearances.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 10, 2006
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