Japan's foreign ministry is reportedly going to ban cell phones inside the foreign minister's office and his guest room, in an attempt to avoid secret recording of his conversation.

A Japanese newspaper reports that not only visitors, but also ministry employees, will be requested to leave their cell phones before entering. The foreign minister's secretary will reportedly keep the cell phones while the visitors meet with him.

A suicide by a Japanese diplomat in Shanghai in 2004 prompted Japan's government to upgrade intelligence measures at its embassies and consulates around the world.

Chinese agents allegedly blackmailed the diplomat over his affair with a woman, an incident that worsened already sour relations between Japan and China.