Japanese columnist caught in university fib

Yoshikazu Kato, one of the best-known Japanese columnists in China, has apologized to Chinese readers after confessing on his micro blog that he exaggerated his educational background.

"In my previous remarks, either publicly or privately, I mentioned that I was admitted as a student of the University of Tokyo but I turned down the opportunity, which is not the truth. I apologize for the confusion and misunderstanding caused by my immaturity, arrogance and ignorance. And I will try my best to endeavor to become a more trustworthy person," Yoshikazu wrote on Sina Weibo, a Chinese micro-blogging website, on Wednesday.

Yoshikazu, 28, came to China in 2003 as an overseas student at Peking University. After receiving a bachelor's degree and master's degree there, he became a producer, emcee, and later a columnist of a Chinese website owned by the Financial Times, and gained popularity for his observations on Sino-Japan policies.