MIYAZAKI (Kyodo) The image of Japan's iconic drink has taken a knock following revelations of a scam operated by one of the country's major sake breweries.

Bishonen Shuzoh Co. of Jonan, Kumamoto Prefecture, reportedly sent out high-grade rice for polishing and received back lower-grade rice that it used to make sake. It is further alleged that the firm received cash to make up the difference in rice quality.

Bishonen President Naoaki Ogata has said publicly that he could not resist the temptation to make off-the-books money because his company was in dire straits. He added that the practice existed even before he joined Bishonen in 1982.