Japan's Education minister apologises after 'sexy yoga' claims

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration which is currently battling two cronyism scandals and sexual harassment claims against a top finance ministry bureaucrat, has yet another controversy to contend with after the country's education minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, was reported to have visited a yoga studio -described as a "sexy private yoga studio"- using an official car by the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine.

The magazine also alleges that the "sexy private yoga" studio which offers private lessons and oil massages, is being operated by a former porn actress.

But according to local media reports, Japan's ministers are permitted to use government vehicles for private use in between public engagements.

On Wednesday,  education minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, apologised over his use of an official car to visit the studio but denied claims that it offers "sexy private yoga" lessons.

Hayashi told reporters, "I apologise for creating confusion amid a tense parliamentary situation."

"As the government is facing severe rebuke and criticism, I will serve the public in a more disciplined manner," he said, in an apparent reference to various scandals involving the cabinet in recent weeks.

"I should have drawn a line between the public and the private, even though this case was in line with rules," he added.

Hayashi then insisted the he was simply taking "regular yoga lessons and massages with finger pressure" for better health.

While denying the claims of being a former porn actress, the president of the yoga studio demanding an apology and a correction from the magazine.

"I firmly deny the article which presents an indecent image and is completely different from the facts," she said.

The website of the studio located in the hip Ebisu district in Tokyo, says it offers private lessons for men or couples.




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