Tokyo - A Japanese minister convicted of taking bribes 25 years ago indicated yesterday he would resign next week amid intense pressure from ruling and opposition parties following his controversial appointment.
Mr Koichi Kato, secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), announced the development after meeting Mr Koko Sato, appointed last week as head of the management and co-ordination agency. Mr Kato said the 69year-old minister expressed "serious fears" about the growing calls for him to step down and had therefore decided to seek a meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Ryutaro Hashimoto, as early as Monday morning.