After a week of political turmoil that rocked the Liberal Democratic Party's ties with its Diet allies, LDP member Koko Sato, who in 1986 was convicted of bribery, resigned Sept. 22 as head of the Management and Coordination Agency over the outcry against his appointment.

Sato, 69, who was to head the administrative reform effort, met with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto in the morning to tender his resignation. Sato stayed in the post for only 12 days. During a news conference after the meeting with Sato, Hashimoto extended his apology over the the trouble caused by his selection of Sato as a Cabinet minister.

"I made the appointment because I had hoped the public would understand (him) through his work carrying out administrative reforms. I am reflecting that I did not consider public opinion enough," Hashimoto said and bowed deeply, offering an apology to the public for his "lack of insight" that led to Sato's selection. "I frankly apologize to the public and those concerned that I, as the one in the position to appoint ministers, caused political turmoil," Hashimoto told reporters.