Insert “bought the farm” joke here
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has resigned:
Before the election, calls had been growing from opposition parties for Akagi to either prove how the funds were used or resign. Some within the ruling coalition also grumbled that Akagi could become a liability in the campaign.
However, Abe refused to dismiss the farm minister, saying he does not intend to make the Akagi issue a problem.
…
With Akagi now out of the Cabinet, more questions may be raised about Abe’s leadership ability and judge of character.
Abe appointed Akagi farm minister in June, after his predecessor, Toshikatsu Matsuoka, killed himself amid a similar scandal involving expenses for a rent-free office in the Diet members’ building.
At least Akagi has apparently been able to escape with his life.
People are making cracks like “impeccable timing,” but it seems that he was pushed out rather than going voluntarily, so it’s more an issue of Abe having poor timing in the pushing than anything else.
And a two-tournament suspension for Asashoryu! This is outrageous!
Yeah, the report was that he was summoned to Abe’s office and told to walk.