A construction company official from a firm that is a competitor with the company behind the faulty piling work on a condominium building in Yokohama said he has also fabricated data in the past to meet deadlines due to pressure from contractors.
The admission by the official, a man in his 50s who has been involved for years in piling and construction work on foundations for condo buildings sold by major developers, is an indication that Asahi Kasei Construction Materials' troubles may just be the tip of the iceberg.
If data fabrication is found to have been widespread throughout the industry, public concern for condos and other buildings is likely to balloon. The land ministry is expected to first investigate the Yokohama condo building incident thoroughly. Afterwards, a panel of experts will decide if there is a need to widen investigation to other firms as well.