Yoshitaka Sakurada has responsibility for protecting the technology to be used at 2020 Olympics
Credit: Natsuki Sakai/AFLO/Press Association Images
The Japanese minister with responsibility for cybersecurity – including protecting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics from technical threats – has stated that he has “never used a computer”.
In a committee session in the lower chamber of Japan’s parliament, the House of Representatives, Yoshitaka Sakurada (pictured above) claimed that he has always relied on staff for his computing needs, according to a report from Kyodo News.
He said: “Since I was 25 years old and independent, I have instructed my staff and secretaries. I have never used a computer.”
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The cybersecurity minister reportedly later seemed flummoxed by a question about whether USB drives are in use at Japanese nuclear facilities.
His comments have been met with incredulity, not least from representative Masato Imai – whose questioning prompted Sakurada’s admission.
“I find it unbelievable that someone who is responsible for cybersecurity measures has never used a computer,” he said.
But Sakurada said: “It’s a matter that should be dealt with by the government as a whole. I am confident that I am not at fault.”
Sakurada has only held responsibility for the cybersecurity brief since last month, when he was given the role as part of a reshuffle.
