Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose resigns over money scandal

"I have confirmed my determination to resign as Tokyo Governor," he said during a press conference after handing in his letter of resignation to the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.
Inose admitted to receiving 50 million yen (U.S. $480,150) from Tokushukai, a hospital operator involved in vote-buying allegations.
"I should not have borrowed the money," Inose said.
He said it was a personal loan and not in any way linked to his election campaign. He added that the money has already been returned.
"I have tried hard to demonstrate my accountability, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to clear away suspicions against me."
"I don't want to further interrupt the operations of the administration as Tokyo prepares for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics," he said at the press conference.
"I offer a deep apology," he said, bowing deeply.
It is likely that a special election will be arranged to choose Inose's successor in the coming February, according to The Japan Times.