Tokyo - The Japanese Defence Agency chief, Mr Fukushiro Nukaga, his agency embroiled in a procurement scandal, yesterday found himself under fire after a censure resolution was passed by the upper house of parliament. It was the first time such a resolution has been passed under the current constitution, promulgated in 1947.
Although the measure is non-binding, it has the potential to gravely damage the government of the Prime Minister, Mr Keizo Obuchi, a month before President Clinton visits.
Opposition politicians say Mr Nukaga has failed to show proper leadership in handling the scandal, in which contractors are alleged to have colluded with ministry officials to overcharge the government for military equipment in return for agreeing to hire a retired agency official.