KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2018 - 18:29 | All, Japan

The Japanese government's cybersecurity strategy chief has drawn criticism after admitting he has not once used a computer in his professional life, despite being in charge of overseeing the country's anti-hacking preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In response to a question from independent lawmaker Masato Imai in a lower house session on Wednesday, Yoshitaka Sakurada said, "Since I was 25 years old and independent I have instructed my staff and secretaries. I have never used a computer."

Flabbergasted by Sakurada's comments, Imai responded, "I find it unbelievable that someone who is responsible for cybersecurity measures has never used a computer."

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 was only appointed as cyber minister last month in a cabinet reshuffle after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected as head of the Liberal Democratic Party.

The 68-year-old is no stranger to controversy, however, as in 2016 he was admonished for saying that women forced into wartime Japanese military brothels were "prostitutes by occupation."

Sakurada retracted the remarks after they drew a swift rebuke from South Korea. Before and during World War II, many Koreans who are now known as comfort women were forced into sexual slavery by Japan's Imperial Army.