The new top bod at the Ministry of Scandals (formerly the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) has finally got his feet under the table with the first revelation of scandal after what seems like 10 minutes in the job.

New minister Takehiko Endo admitted at a press conference today that “a farmers’ mutual aid association headed by him has received 1.15 million yen from the state illegally”. The organisation had exaggerated the number of its members and the extent of crop damage in premium claims.

Endo told reporters, “We were informed three years ago that the association received the money in error, but were not told to return it.” And they still haven’t. They are, apparently, ‘awaiting instructions from the Board of Audit of Japan on what to do’. Eagerly, I’m sure.

Endo said that he would quit as head of the association, but denied suggestions he should resign as farm minister.

“I will resign as head of the association, but having accepted my appointment I intend to continue serving (as farm minister).”

You would have thought that, after the headlines created by Endo’s two predecessors, the Prime Minister’s first question on giving him the job would have been “Now, is there anything you think you should tell me?”