Japan's cybersecurity minister admits he has never used a computer

Japan's new cybersecurity minister has never used a computer and doesn't seem to know what a USB port is.

The bizarre admission has prompted mockery in Japan and across the world, but newly appointed Yoshitaka Sakurada says that it is unlikely he will have to actually use a computer, despite being responsible for ensuring that the country's millions of devices are kept safe.

Instead, cybersecurity policy is set by a large number of people and aides can type into the computer for him, he said. Mr Sakurada has been in parliament for 22 years but has not held such a senior position before, now finding himself responsible both for cybersecurity and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I give instructions to my aide and so I don't punch into a computer myself," he said in response to questions from legislators.

"But I am confident our work is flawless."

When asked about the power grid and malware, Mr Sakurada said USB was "basically never used" in the utility systems, appearing to not know what it might be.

Politicians laughed incredulously at his replies, which were highlighted in Japanese media.

Questioning and answers in parliament are also carried live on national TV.

Ministers in Japan almost always get parliamentary questions in advance.

Often their answers are based on briefings from ministry bureaucrats.

In Mr Sakurada's exchange, bureaucrats were seen rushing over to give him sheets of paper with information.

Ministers are tapped by prime minister Shinzo Abe, and Mr Sakurada was named to his position in the latest Cabinet reshuffle last month.

Although the minister is not expected to have much hands-on responsibility in the handling of either cybersecurity or the Olympics, Mr Sakurada's high-profile bungling is an embarrassment for Mr Abe.

Mr Sakurada, 68, a graduate of Meiji University, was first elected to parliament in 1996, representing Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo.

His favourite issues are pushing for Japan's economic prosperity and supporting its culture.

"There is no genius that surpasses effort," is his favourite motto.

Additional reporting by Associated Press