Japan: Trade minister resigns over campaign fund charges

Japan's trade minister resigned Monday amid growing controversy over allegations that she misused campaign funds. Yuko Obuchi said at a news conference that the investigation is ongoing, and would interfere with her duties as minister of economy, trade and industry. Her resignation is the first for the current administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and could dent his efforts to raise the profile of women both in politics and business. The questions over Obuchi's use of election funds are the latest in a series of uproars over activities by some members of Abe's Cabinet. Obuchi is one of five women Abe appointed to Cabinet-level posts in a reshuffle last month that highlighted his commitment to promoting women to leadership positions, according to AP.