4 Japanese ministers resign over LDP corruption scandal as ‘distrust’ in Kishida’s government deepens

The ministers who have resigned are Hirokazu Matsuno, Yasutoshi Nishimura, Junji Suzuki and Ichiro Miyashita

The cabinet crisis comes after allegations of kickbacks of US$3.4 million in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party

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Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno surrounded by reporters upon arriving at the premier’s office in Tokyo on Thursday, amid a corruption scandal involving himself and other ruling LDP lawmakers. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 10:31am, 14 Dec 2023Updated: 12:11pm, 14 Dec 2023

Four Japanese ministers tendered their resignations on Thursday as unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reels from a major corruption scandal in the ruling party.

The cabinet crisis comes after allegations of kickbacks of 500 million yen (US$3.4 million) in the faction-riven Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno confirmed that he was stepping down and that Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Internal Affairs Minister Junji Suzuki and Agriculture Minister Ichiro Miyashita had also tendered their resignations.

“In light of the various allegations made regarding political funds, which have shaken the public trust in politics, and the various allegations made regarding my own political funds, I have submitted my resignation,” Matsuno said at a press conference.

Michiko Ueno, a special adviser to the prime minister, is also leaving office as well as five deputy ministers, Matsuno, who is also chief government spokesman, told reporters.