Sports minister urges sumo circles to sever ties with gangs

Sports minister urges sumo circles to sever ties with gangs

TOKYO, Japan - Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Tatsuo Kawabata speaks to reporters at the ministry in Tokyo on July 6, 2010, after talks with acting Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hiroyoshi Murayama. Kawabata urged Murayama to sever ties with mobsters to prevent a recurrence of the gambling scandal rocking the sport.

Ex-finance minister Murayama dies at 95

Ex-finance minister Murayama dies at 95

TOKYO, Japan - Former finance minister Tatsuo Murayama (file photo taken in June, 1999) died on May 20, 2010. He was 95. After serving as a finance ministry official, Murayama won a House of Representatives seat on the Liberal Democratic Party ticket in 1963 and served 12 terms, holding ministerial posts in finance and welfare affairs. He retired from politics in 2000.

Ex-finance minister Murayama dies at 95

Ex-finance minister Murayama dies at 95

TOKYO, Japan - Former finance minister Tatsuo Murayama (file photo taken in June, 1999) died on May 20, 2010. He was 95. After serving as a finance ministry official, Murayama won a House of Representatives seat on the Liberal Democratic Party ticket in 1963 and served 12 terms, holding ministerial posts in finance and welfare affairs. He retired from politics in 2000. (Kyodo)

Sports minister urges sumo circles to sever ties with gangs

Sports minister urges sumo circles to sever ties with gangs

TOKYO, Japan - Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Tatsuo Kawabata speaks to reporters at the ministry in Tokyo on July 6, 2010, after talks with acting Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hiroyoshi Murayama. Kawabata urged Murayama to sever ties with mobsters to prevent a recurrence of the gambling scandal rocking the sport. (Kyodo)