Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe apologises over scandal

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe bows during a press conference in Tokyo (AP)

Former prime minister Shinzo Abe apologised after prosecutors declined to indict him for illegal payments his office made involving dinner receptions for his supporters during Japan’s popular cherry blossom season.

When Mr Abe resigned in September, he cited ill health but critics have suggested the scandal might have been a reason.