Yohei Matsumoto, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, addressed reporters after a cabinet meeting on the 19th, stating that he has no plans to create an explanation venue regarding the circumstances of his meetings with a woman who is not his wife. He confirmed his extramarital relationship with a married woman during a parliamentary response on the 12th, indicating they met for 'exchanges of opinions' in his office at the Diet Building last year. Despite the acknowledgment of their relationship, Matsumoto avoided answering specific questions about it during the conference, citing the sensitivity of the matter involving another party.

The controversy escalated when a magazine reported that the woman had kissed Matsumoto, and that their relationship lasted until autumn of the previous year. The opposition parties reacted strongly, demanding accountability and threatening to postpone committee discussions unless Matsumoto provides a detailed explanation regarding the affair. This has led to delays in the Senate's scheduled discussions surrounding significant educational reforms, including the expansion of free high school tuition and policies related to class sizes in middle schools. If these legislative measures are not passed by the end of March, educators fear potential disruptions in school operations.

Matsumoto publicly apologized for the trouble caused by the revelations but also asserted that he had responded to inquiries from both houses of the Diet to the best of his ability. His reluctance to address the ongoing affair has resulted in ongoing political and legislative complications as the government seeks to pass essential reforms before the upcoming budget deadline.