Local media reported that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) – the biggest force in the capital’s politics and Masuzoe’s main supporter – was concerned that the scandal-tainted governor could also damage its chances in upcoming parliamentary elections.
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The opposition Democratic Party and Japanese Communist Party on June 14 chose to submit a no-confidence motion against Masuzoe to the steering committee of the metropolitan assembly.
Masuzoe had faced relentless pressure from the media and the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly over his lavish spending on official overseas trips, online purchases of art and accommodation at high-end hotels and spas, some of which were paid for using taxpayer money.
Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe (yoh-ee-chee mah-soo-zoh-eh) had come under intense questioning in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly for allegedly using the money for family trips, artwork and other expenses.
Masuzoe’s resignation, though unlikely to impact Tokyo’s management of the 2020 Olympics, will serve to further embarrass the country regarding the scandal-fraught games.
Masuzoe on Monday pledged to return his salary and begged that the no-confidence vote be postponed until after the Rio Olympics end on August 22, when the Olympic flag will be transferred to Tokyo as host of the next games.
June 6, 2016: Lawyers requested by Masuzoe to investigate his use of political funds release report, concluding his use of 4.4 million yen was improper though not illegal. While he was in power, the governor successfully lobbied to move certain Olympic events to existing facilities outside the city instead of building new venues.
“He had a strong emotional attachment to the Games and spoke passionately about making them a success”, Yuko Arakida, a member of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news agency. “[His resignation] is extremely regrettable”.
“I thought having an election with the Rio Olympics near at hand would be inappropriate for Tokyo as the next host city”, he told the assembly.
French prosecutors have also launched an investigation into US$2 million in alleged bribes linked to Tokyo’s host bid, an allegation the organisers deny.
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The resignation of Masuzoe’s predecessor Naoki Inose slowed preparations for the Olympics, but Tokyo 2020 officials said earlier this week that Masuzoe’s woes were having no impact.
