However, Masuzoe has shown no signs of stepping down, even after admitting to “inappropriate” spending of millions of yen in political funds and sparking public outrage over his lavish use of taxpayer money on overseas trips. On Wednesday, he was expected to face a no-confidence motion in the Tokyo Assembly, but the vote would be canceled due to his decision to resign.
Advertisement
Unpopular Yoichi Masuzoe fell on his sword just hours before facing a no-confidence vote, making him the city’s second governor to quit since Tokyo was named host of the 2020 summer games.
But his woes began in April when reports emerged that he was using his official auto to be driven on weekends to a cottage south of Tokyo.
If the motions were approved by the assembly, the governor can choose to step down or dissolve the assembly.
Tokyo is to host the 2020 Olympic.
A spokesperson for the Tokyo Metropolitan government, requesting anonymity, told AFP, “We’ve been told by the governor that the resignation is dated June 21”.
The governor though has denied of breaking the law, but he admits about the ethical lapses in lavish spending.
In this July 22, 2015 photo, Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe gestures while talking with Olympics Minister Toshiaki Endo at Tokyo Metropolitan Government office in Tokyo.
He also said breaks at his vacation home was important for his work because he can “feel refreshed and keep fit”, adding the home has a big bath where he can “stretch legs”, the Japan Times reported.
According to Japan Times, the arrogance of the governor has not gone down well with the Japanese public amid stagnant economic growth. If the new governor serves a full four-year term, it is possible he or she will run for reelection while the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing from June 24 to August 9, 2020.
Masuzoe, now 67, entered politics after working as an assistant professor in global politics at the University of Tokyo.
Advertisement
Among them are opposition lower house member and former TV anchorwoman Renho, who goes by one name, and Yuriko Koike, also a lower house member for the ruling LDP, a former defence minister and anchorwoman. In 2010, he left the LDP and acted as president of the New Renaissance Party until 2013.
