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Tsujimoto resigns after fall from grace

Social Democratic Party member Kiyomi Tsujimoto resigned as a House of Representatives member on March 26 over allegations she misused her aide's state salary.

"I've decided to quit because I thought it would add to public distrust of politics if I didn't admit my mistakes and clearly take responsibility," Tsujimoto stated

Tsujimoto's resignation came just 15 days after she attacked former Liberal Democratic Party member Muneo Suzuki over scandals allegedly involving him during a March 11 investigation in the Lower House.

Tsujimoto was under fire for allegedly redirecting ¥15 million of her policy secretary's state-paid salary between 1997 and 1998

The woman registered as her policy secretary — who received ¥50,000 of the monthly ¥520,000 stipend — did not actually serve in that capacity.

Tsujimoto also admitted she misappropriated some of the money and used it as "donations" to cover office expenses.

Shukan ST: April 5, 2002

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