In a highly unusual arrangement, Foreign Ministry scandals and reform plans were at the fore of the so-called diplomatic Blue Book for 2002, released on Friday, with Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi expressing resolve to regain trust in the ministry.
The annual review highlights the diplomatic events of the previous 12 months, but this year the book forsakes celebration for an apology to the public for building "abnormal relations" with disgraced lawmaker Muneo Suzuki and yielding to his pressure over a variety of issues, including aid projects for Russian-held islands off Hokkaido.
At the outset of the book, submitted to Friday's Cabinet meeting, Kawaguchi said the ministry must work harder to regain public trust, adding that the panel of experts set up to examine possibilities for ministry reform will form a focal point for her drive for change.