On Air Now
The Music Mix
11:00pm - 6:00am
Listen To Dubai Eye
Listen Live

Search Dubai Eye 103.8

Japan trade minister resigns amid melon donations scandal

Friday, 25 October 2019 14:25

STR / JIJI PRESS / AFP

Japan's trade minister Isshu Sugawara has been forced to step down after being accused of violating election law.

According to reports, Isshu Sugawara, who was only appointed to the cabinet last month, gave his Tokyo constituents expensive melons, oranges, roe and royal jelly. 

He is also accused of offering "condolence money" of 20,000 Japanese yen (AED 679.47) to the family of a supporter.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe accepted his resignation, saying "the responsibility lies with me for having appointed him".

Japan’s election laws ban officials from offering gifts and donations to their constituents. 

Share

More from International

  • Flash floods claim lives in northern China

    At least nine people died in a flash flood in northern China, state media reported on Sunday, with three others still missing, as the East Asian monsoon continues to unleash atmospheric chaos across the world's second-largest economy.

  • Israel plans Gaza resident relocation

    Gaza residents will be provided with tents and other shelter equipment starting from Sunday ahead of relocating them from combat zones to the south of the enclave "to ensure their safety," the Israeli military said on Saturday.

  • Trump urges Zelenskiy to make a deal

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Ukraine should make a deal to end the war with Russia because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not", after a summit where Vladimir Putin was reported to have demanded more Ukrainian land.

  • Zelenskyy to travel to Washington for talks with Trump

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would travel to Washington on Monday for talks with Donald Trump, after the US president's summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin failed to bring an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

  • Category 4 hurricane Erin continues to intensify

    Hurricane Erin, which is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season and has developed into a dangerous Category 4 hurricane, has continued to rapidly intensify, the U.S. National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said on Saturday.

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!

Our Shows

Text us on WhatsApp

Quick Links

Listen on the Go

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

© 2025 ARN and Aiir. All Rights Reserved.