TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Industry Minister Ken Saito said on Friday that U.S.-Japanese ties were “stronger than ever”, although he declined to comment directly on growing scrutiny in the United States of a proposed deal for Nippon Steel to buy U.S. Steel. Speaking at a regularly scheduled press conference, Saito said he was aware of a statement by the U.S. National Economic Council director that the purchase deserves “serious scrutiny” but would not comment directly on private deals. “I believe Nippon Steel simply needs to take the proper steps in the procedure,” he said. “In any case, the Ja…