Japan punishes defence officials for mishandling sensitive data, misconduct

Japan's defence ministry announced disciplinary action on Friday against more than 200 senior officials and service members over mishandling of classified materials and other misconduct, an embarrassment that could undermine Tokyo's efforts to work more closely with United States and other partners.

Japan's Defence Ministry and its Self Defence Forces have been under scrutiny over allegations that members of the navy violated the sensitive information protection law, as well as other misconduct such as falsely claiming allowances for special assignments, or wrongfully claiming free meals at base cafeterias. Ministerial staff were also accused of abuses of power.

Defence Minister Minoru Kihara apologised, saying the problems significantly damaging to the public trust for the ministry and Japan's defence forces. I'm keenly aware of my responsibility.

He blamed a lack of discipline across the organisation.

Kihara said the ministry's investigation found that classified information was