Minister's sudden resignation deals blow to Abe

Tokyo

JAPAN'S minister in charge of economic revival, Akira Amari, stepped down suddenly on Thursday to "take responsibility" for an uproar over claims that he and his office staff accepted contributions from a construction firm in return for political favours, although he continued to deny that bribery was involved.

The resignation of the 66-year-old political veteran - who has become a high-profile figure internationally since he steered through Japan's entry to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - is a serious blow to the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, analysts said.