Overview
- Digital Minister Matsumoto said on March 6 the agency will not conduct its own investigation or interviews regarding Ito’s appearance in U.S. Department of Justice materials tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Ito stated on March 3 that he never witnessed abusive acts or recognized evidence of such conduct in his interactions with Epstein.
- Ito plans to leave the Digital Society Concept Council and other government advisory roles at the end of the month.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara said Ito’s participation in advisory meetings is not a problem at present.
- The Mainichi reports the government had considered an inquiry but reversed course, noting reports that DOJ documents list Ito’s name multiple times, including email exchanges, and pointing to his impending resignation.