Tokyo prosecutor steps down over illegal mahjong scandal. Hiromu Kurokawa, Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office head has tendered his resignation amid mounting pressure over revelations he illegally participated in a mahjong match for money during Japan’s state of emergency.
Kurokawa was found to have visited the home of a reporter from the Sankei Shimbun on 1 May where they and others played and bet on mahjong. An employee of another major Japanese daily newspaper, the Asahi Shimbun, was also in attendance.
The controversy is seen as a major blow for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after the cabinet allowed the 63-year old Kurokawa to continue in the role beyond retirement age.
According to Jiji Press, Abe responded on Friday by stating, “As Prime Minister, I’m of course responsible. I sincerely accept criticism.”
[image: Flickr]
