The Democratic Party pressured Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to quit on Thursday if allegations that he colluded with the Kake Educational Institution prove true.
"It would be tantamount to Cabinet resignation en masse" if it is confirmed that Abe's influence motivated bureaucrats to make a decision in his favor, DP President Renho told a news conference.
"I have to say that very unusual measures have been taken on the administrative side. As suspicion grows, the government should get to the bottom of it quickly and explain the results to the public," she said.