Japan economy minister Akira Amari quits over graft claims

Japan’s economy minister resigned as he fended off corruption allegations, in a setback for prime minister Shinzo Abe’s effort to rev up growth in the world’s third-largest economy.

Akira Amari choked back tears as he announced his resignation in a televised news conference.

He denied wrongdoing but apologised for causing “concern and trouble” and for undermining public trust in the government with a “very embarrassing situation.”