DHAKA: Tokyo’s governor, one of the main faces of the mega-city’s successful bid to host the 2020 Olympics, resigned December 19 after admitting he was naive for accepting an undeclared $500,000 from a hospital tycoon.

Naoki Inose, who was elected head of one of the world’s biggest conurbations a year ago, had faced weeks of intense pressure over suspicions that the money amounted to a bribe in an attempt to influence policy.

‘I have decided to resign from the post of Tokyo governor,’ Inose told a hurriedly arranged press conference, reports daily Hurriyet.

The 67-year-old Inose admitted he had been naive about the cut and thrust of politics.

BDST: 1728 HRS, DEC 19, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor