Koichi Kato, former secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, on Saturday apologized to local supporters in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, over a tax evasion scandal involving his senior secretary Saburo Sato.
In a speech at a New Year's party for his support group in his hometown, Kato said, "I apologize for causing you unpleasant feelings," referring to the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau's recent searches of Sato's company and his home.
Kato again denied any wrongdoing, saying, "The inspections were of Sato's company and his personal income on the assumption (my) office had nothing to do with it, and I'm confident of that."
The LDP heavyweight reiterated that he wants to wait and see how the tax authorities' investigation develops before making a decision on what to do about Sato, 61.
"I have refrained from lobbying for public works ever since I became a House of Representatives member and I'm sure you know I have," Kato emphasized.
On his arrival at Shonai airport earlier in the day, Kato told reporters that Sato had called him and apologized for causing problems but denied failing to pay taxes.