Japan’s justice minister resigns after death penalty quip

TOKYO, Nov 12 (sundiatapost.com) - Japan's justice minister stepped down on Friday, over a scandal in less than a month and forcing a last-minute delay for the embattled premier’s Asia tour.

The justice minister, Yasuhiro Hanashi, became the second minister to leave Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s cabinet.

Kishida’s support has slumped to the 30 per cent level in many recent polls, close to a danger zone that would make it hard for him to promote his agenda.

Hanashi had come under widespread criticism over comments reported in the media in which he made light of his duties, specifically signing off on executions, which he referred to as “tedious”.

“I made citizens and ministry staff uncomfortable,” Hanashi told reporters after tendering his resignation to Kishida, referring to his comments about the death penalty. ...continue reading

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