A weekly magazine says a lawmaker of Japan's main governing party repeatedly abused her secretary verbally and physically.

Shukan Shincho reported the incident involving Liberal Democratic Party Lower House member Mayuko Toyota on Thursday. An official of Toyota's office said she apologized to the man.

The report says Toyota repeatedly hit the former policy secretary when he was driving for her in late May. The 42-year-old lawmaker reportedly accused him of making mistakes in his duties at her office.

The report says the 55-year-old suffered injuries to his face and back.

The man quit on June 18th. He is quoted as saying he is considering reporting the case to police.

A source linked to Toyota's office confirmed the report, and told NHK that she often shouts at people over minor things, and makes harmful remarks. The source added that many aides have quit.

A former chief of her office's secretariat told reporters he and Toyota talked with the former secretary at the end of May. He said the man complained of suffering Toyota's violence 7 times in 3 days, and showed a bruise on his arm. The former chief said all Toyota can do is continue to apologize.

Source: ANNnewsCH