Naoto Kan

Kan had resisted quitting but pressure built from DPJ members who said they wouldn't be able to compete in the July Upper House election with a discredited party leader.

"I caused great trouble for the Japanese people by increasing distrust in politics. My responsibility in this regard is very great," Kan said at meeting of DPJ lawmakers. "To take responsibility, I will resign as head of the party."

On May 7, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda resigned after admitting that he had unwittingly missed payments, delivering a blow to the governing coalition.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 15, 2004
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