Japan Trade, Justice Ministers quit amid scandals

October 20, 2014 07:56 am | Updated May 23, 2016 06:33 pm IST - TOKYO

Japan’s Trade and Justice Ministers both resigned on Monday after accusations they misused campaign funds.

Yuko Obuchi, daughter of a former Prime Minister and a rising star in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, resigned early Monday as Trade Minister, saying she needed to focus on an investigation into discrepancies in accounting for election funds. She did not acknowledge any wrongdoing.

Justice Minister Midori Matsushima resigned after the opposition Democratic Party of Japan filed a criminal complaint against her over distribution of hand-held fans, or uchiwa.

Ms. Matsushima is also facing complaints over using Parliament-provided housing while keeping security guards at her private residence in Tokyo.

Speaking to reporters shortly after he accepted Ms. Matsushima’s resignation, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters he also was responsible because he appointed the two women to his Cabinet.

“I deeply apologise to the public,” Mr. Abe said.

“I apologise for not being able to make any contributions as a member of the Abe Cabinet in achieving key policy goals, including the economic recovery and a society where women shine,” Ms. Obuchi said.

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