Saitama Gov. Yoshihiko Tsuchiya officially stepped down Friday over a political funds scandal, with the prefectural assembly accepting his resignation at a plenary session.
"With my daughter arrested and prefectural government offices . . . raided, it is inexcusable and I keenly feel responsible" Tsuchiya, 77, told the assembly.
Vice Gov. Nobuyuki Aoki will take over Tsuchiya's duties until a new governor is elected Aug. 31. Tsuchiya's resignation means he automatically loses his position as head of the National Governors' Association.