A Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker close to Ichiro Ozawa tendered his resignation Thursday as parliamentary secretary of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, adding to Prime Minister Naoto Kan's woes.
"I was told by (agriculture minister Michihiko) Kano to stay on in my post, but my decision remains unchanged," Kenko Matsuki told reporters.
Matsuki, who expressed his desire to resign Wednesday night, said he is leaving the post because the decision by DPJ executives to suspend Ozawa's party membership is "incomprehensible."