Japan investigates China 'orgy'

Prostitution is proliferating in China's booming eastern cities

The Japanese Government has said it will investigate an alleged orgy involving hundreds of Japanese male tourists at a hotel in southern China.

According to Chinese media reports, about 400 tourists and 500 local prostitutes were involved.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yasuo Fukuda said Tokyo was told on Sunday by China that it had verified the reports.

The alleged incident stoked anti-Japanese sentiment in China, because it coincided with a sensitive anniversary.

It was reported to have taken place over three days at the International Conference Centre in Zhuhai and to have ended on 18 September - the date of Japan's invasion of north-east China in 1931.

Some Chinese are saying that their own country should be feeling just as ashamed as Japan China hides shame over orgy

China has expressed "strong indignation" to Japan over the alleged orgy.

"The foreign ministry will investigate the matter and interview (officials) from the relevant Japanese company," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda told a news conference.

He did not name the company, but it has been reported to be a construction firm based in Osaka.

The company has confirmed its 288 employees stayed at the hotel in September but has denied its involvement in arranging mass prostitution, according to Japanese reports.

Police in China say they have detained a number of suspects over the scandal, and have shut down the hotel where the party was reportedly held.