TOKYO: Embattled Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe faced intensified pressure to resign Tuesday over a spending scandal that threatens to become a campaign issue in a national parliamentary election next month.
Masuzoe, 67, has been subject to harsh media and legislative grilling over lavish outlays on official overseas trips, online purchases of art and accommodation at high-end hotels and spas, some of which was paid for using official funds.
On Tuesday, all major parties in the Tokyo legislature except Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) -- the biggest force in the capital's politics and the main supporter of Masuzoe -- submitted no-confidence motions against the governor.
But the LDP is now expected to add its voice to calls for his resignation amid concerns that its support for Masuzoe, a former party member, could embarrass the party in July 10 elections for the upper house of parliament, local media said.
Wednesday, the last day of the current Tokyo legislative session, is expected to be a key day in the drama. If a vote is held on the motions and passes, Masuzoe would have to step down or dissolve the assembly.
His term as governor runs to 2018, but if he chooses to resign a new governor would be elected to a fresh four-year term.
He could to opt hang on by dissolving the assembly, taking his chances with a newly elected one.
The scandal has not gone down well with the general public in Japan amid stagnant economic growth and increasing hardship among lower income people.
A perception of arrogance and entitlement on the part of the governor has also been criticised.
Masuzoe denies wrongdoing but has repeatedly apologised in an effort to weather the political storm, refusing to resign.
Trouble started in late April when reports emerged that he was using his official car to be driven at the weekends to a cottage south of Tokyo.
Further allegations emerged of lavish spending on overseas business trips, including first-class air travel, as well as outlays on family outings and accommodation in Japan.
Major global city Tokyo, with some 13.5 million people, is Japan's most populous local government entity and is set to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Masuzoe has reportedly begged a delay in voting on the motions so that he can attend the Rio Olympics in August as head of the next host city.
On assuming office as governor, the telegenic French-speaking Masuzoe -- a former health and labour minister -- pledged an administration free of money scandals.
He took office in February 2014 following an election to replace Naoki Inose, who abruptly resigned over a personal financial scandal after leading Tokyo's campaign to win the 2020 Games.
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