Justice Minister resigns but remains unrepentant about his statement: Ichida

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Justice Minister resigns but remains unrepentant about his statement: Ichida

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi on November 22 criticized the resignation of Justice Minister Yanagida Minoru as mere political maneuvering to allow for smooth Diet management.

Yanagida on the same day said that he is stepping down as justice minister because his statement mocking the Diet is "becoming an obstacle to the passage of the FY 2010 supplementary budget."

Ichida said, "He originally lacked the qualifications needed to be appointed justice minister. His resignation is a matter of course. However, it is serious problem that he showed no sign of remorse. Yanagida made insulting remarks against the Diet and the public."

Ichida also said, "Although Prime Minister Kan Naoto should bear the responsibility for appointing such a person as minister in the first place, he didn't exercise leadership in resolving this issue. He didn't replace Yanagida as Justice Minister or urge him to resign."

- Akahata, November 23, 2010