TOKYO (AP) The embattled governor of Tokyo submitted his resignation Wednesday over a mounting political funds scandal, Japanese media reported.
In recent weeks, Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe (yoh-ee-chee mah-soo-zoh-eh) had come under intense questioning in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly for allegedly spending political funds on private vacations and hobbies, and lawmakers had been preparing to introduce a no-confidence motion later Wednesday.
Japanese media reports said the resignation would take effect June 21.
The impact on planning for the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo is unclear. Masuzoe had been scheduled to attend the Rio Olympics opening ceremony in August, and he would have accepted the Olympic flag during a handover during the closing ceremony.
Masuzoe's predecessor, who was instrumental in securing the bid for the 2020 Olympics, also resigned over a money-related scandal.
The assembly's steering committee reportedly urged the governor to step down Tuesday, but he said he wanted to stay until September.
