Japan: Minister Isshu Sugawara quits after gifting melons, crabs to constituents

Japan’s new trade minister has resigned, after being accused of violating election law.

Media reports said Isshu Sugawara gave his Tokyo constituents expensive melons, oranges, roe and royal jelly.

He is also said to have offered “condolence money” of 20,000 Japanese yen ($185; £145) to the family of a supporter.

Japan’s election law bans politicians from sending donations to voters in their home constituency.

The allegations first surfaced in weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun, which said that Mr Sugawara’s secretary had offered about 20,000 yen to the family of a constituent who had passed away.

It is customary in Japan to give money as a condolence to grieving families – what is known as “incense money”.

The magazine also printed lists of gifts that had been sent by his office, including cod roe and oranges, as well as the thank you letters he allegedly received from the recipients.