Former senior members of Japan's leading academic body have disclosed that the prime minister's office did not accept its choice of candidates for membership four years ago.

The Science Council of Japan is designated a special organization under the jurisdiction of the prime minister, but makes policy proposals independently of the government.

A Japanese lawmaker who was arrested on suspicion of taking bribes from a Chinese company has also admitted to receiving thousands of dollars' worth of luxury brand goods.

Lower House member Tsukasa Akimoto was arrested last month on suspicion of receiving about 27,000 dollars from a Chinese firm called 500.com in 2017.