Kobe Steel Chief Resigns Over Fake Data Scandal

The head of scandal-hit Japanese steelmaker Kobe Steel announced his resignation on Tuesday after the firm submitted false strength and quality data for products shipped to hundreds of clients worldwide.

Hiroya Kawasaki's resignation was a new blow to the reputation of Japan Inc after similar quality-control scandals hit industrial titans ranging from carmaker Nissan to Mitsubishi Materials.

Following a deep and prolonged bow in apology, Kawasaki told reporters: "As I think it's best to go ahead quickly with reforms under new members, I ... will step down from president on April 1 this year."

"We have caused trouble to many people. As soon as we can, we would like as many people as possible to think that Kobe Steel has changed," added Kawasaki, who had been in the job since 2013. "I'm really sorry."

The firm has not yet named a successor.

In a long-awaited report into the scandal, the firm found that staff – including executives –changed inspection data, or made up data, before shipping their products.

The affected products included steel wires used in car engines and tyres as well as aluminium used to manufacture Japan's famous bullet trains.

The firm, founded in 1905, has been at pains to stress that there are no safety issues arising from the fake data. (AFP)