Justice minister quits over wife's alleged election law breach; 2nd cabinet exit in a week

Endless corruption, endlessly.

"I will investigate the issue and explain, but in the meantime public trust in the justice administration will be lost."

Like anyone with half a brain in Japan has a modicum of trust for Japan's justice administration... especially foreigners.

This country's government is crazy corrupt, yet nary a peep about it from its citizens...well I guess that explains it.

For overpaying his staff? Really?. You quit a position like his over that. What would seem to any normal person like o be a forgivable lapse? There must be something going on behind the scenes. There’s no way these guys are that weak. Is there a folder full of wrongdoing somewhere and this guy has become the latest to fall on his sword lest it be exposed? The domino effect? What’s going on?

How does quitting your job translate into "avoiding prosecution" if a law was broken or breached?

Could we all do that? I'm sure we couldn't...

Well, lets see Japans rule of law be fair. Arrest Anri Kawai, hold her for 23 days without a access to a lawyer, relentlessly demand a confession from her. Put her in isolation in Kosuge then keep refusing her bail (she might leave the country). Finally give her bail a an exorbitant amount, and of course, forbid her to contact her husband.

Endless corruption, endlessly.

Endless Japan/Japanese bashing, endlessly.

No, it is not Japan bashing. It is simply an unfair, pathetic justice system of a country coming to light.

Remember, the USA (and other countries) do not have the luxury of armies of apologists, who spend their time making excuses for every stupid thing Japan and some of it's people does.

Japan is in seismic decline in every aspect, from it's birthrate, to moral standards, economic and integrity. Japan has only itself to blame. Being honest is not Japan bashing.

Ex Res,

Great comments.

As soon as anyone goes against the grain in Japan....the 'Japan Bashing' mantra starts up in earnest.

That is why nothing ever changes around here.

Is justice so partial to let the Justice Minister be judge and party since the accused is his wife ?

Medieval times...

Is there anyone legit qualified and pure/honest there in Kasumigaseki because the list of people that have been involved in scandals, coverups, breaking election laws and bribes is astonishing.

Masako Mori, former minister in charge of addressing the issue of low birth rate

Well done Mori-san, you were clearly very successful there and I’m sure you thoroughly deserve to remain in a leadership role.

Political Circus!!

Japan's "JUSTICE" minister, speaks volumes.

Seems like a fairly minor infraction. Frustrating to see the dinosaurs higher up on the political ladder get away with murder on a regular basis and there be no such repercussions.

Being a member of the old guard seems to place you above reproach and grant complete political and legal immunity.

"I'm sorry that you thought I broke the law". Bow, move along, no accountability necessary.

That is why nothing ever changes around here.

Correct. Japan apologists only make things worse. It's why many Japanese feel that they ate doing nothing wrong.

While I wish all new arrivals to Japan well, my best advice to these apologists is to take off their rose tinted spectacle's on arrival in Japan, and put some clear lenses on, and get their mindset out of kawai la la land.

Mamamia, and they are responsible for the judgment of people....

we are screwed.

For overpaying his staff? Really?

Well, if you're the justice minister...

and not even his own doing, but his wife

The concern is that he is justice minister ( another ministery would be different) so police, investigators and judges would have to work on their big boss's wife, the couple's joint personal accounts, etc.

Another one bits the dust!...(tu-ru, run, tun tun...)

That was a very honorable action and respected. Nothing wrong in his conduct and willing to face responsibility and consequences for his action or lack awareness of actions. There are other members who ride the family name coat tails but have no honor in stepping down when over their heads or talk out of context. Way to go Sir.

Seems like a fairly minor infraction

and not even his own doing, but his wife. Storm in a tea cup yet again. Abe has got man up and tell Shukan Bunshun where to shove their endless tabloid crap.

Endless corruption, endlessly.

Endless Japan/Japanese bashing, endlessly.

I grew up in the Chicago area. If this is the best that Japan and the Japanese can up with in the way of corruption, we deserve all the bashing that is directed at us in this venue.