Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari resigned today over his involvement in a corruption scandal but denied taking bribes.

Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari. Photo: Reuters.

Japanese politicians last week accused Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari and his aides of taking 12 million yen ($101,000) in bribes from a construction company. Minister Amari apologized on television today for the scandal but denied taking bribes.

"If it is true, it will lower my dignity, not only as a politician but also as a person. I cannot do that," AFP quoted Mr. Amari, 66, as saying before breaking down in tears. But "considering my responsibility as a member of parliament to supervise secretaries, a cabinet member and my pride as a politician, I will resign from today."

Minister Amari admitted that envelopes filled with cash were delivered to his office, but ordered his secretary to handle some of the money according to political contribution rules. The construction company refused to take the money back, and the secretary used about 3 million yen for "personal purposes." He did not specify the total amount received.

Shukan Bunshun magazine reported last week that the construction company wanted Mr. Amari's help in resolving a problem with a housing company related to damage during a road construction project.

The magazine quoted a company official as saying they entertained the minister’s staff and gave gifts and envelopes containing cash, once giving 1 million yen to Mr. Amari. The Japanese economy minister acknowledged meeting with construction company officials but said he could not recall details.

Nobuteru Ishishara, former secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and son of a former Tokyo governor, was chosen as Mr. Amari's successor.

Mr. Amari resigned as Japan sought to restart its economy, which was "about to emerge from 15 years of deflation." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had rejected Amari's resignation in 2013, after being diagnosed with tongue cancer, and had stood by him since the scandal emerged.

According to VNE