(Tokyo Shimbun: January 29, 2016 – p. 6)

 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke to the press following the resignation of Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Akira Amari. The following is the gist of his remarks:

 He tendered his resignation by saying: “As far as I’m concerned, I did nothing illegal, but I am responsible for supervising my office and secretaries. The issue shouldn’t be allowed to cause national politics to stagnate. That is why I want to resign.”

 As a key member of the (second) Abe cabinet, Amari had acted as a driving force in moving forward TPP negotiations and the Abenomics growth initiatives over the past three years. It is truly regrettable, but I decided to respect his decision.

 I am responsible for appointing Amari as a cabinet member. I would like to apologize to the public for having caused such situation.

 The Abe government has worked hard to push for economic growth as a priority agenda. I decided to pick Amari’s successor immediately as the nation’s economy should not be allowed to stagnate even for a single moment. Nobuteru Ishihara has been tapped for the position. He has served in key posts in the Liberal Democratic Party, such as secretary-general and policy affairs chief, and he is well-versed in policy-making.

 Abenomics is indeed facing a serious test. I expect Ishihara to demonstrate his ability to make sure that the Japanese economy is out of deflation and on a growth track.