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M. Continuo

Japan Amari says stepping down as economy minister


    TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Economy Minister Akira Amari said on Thursday he will step down from his post to take responsibility over allegations he received bribes from a construction company.

    "Japan is finally emerging from deflation ... We need to pass legislation through parliament for steps to beat deflation and create a strong economy as soon as possible," Amari told a news conference.

    "Anything that hampers this must be eliminated, and I'm no exception. I, therefore, would like to resign as minister to take responsibility (for what my aide has done)," he said.

    (Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)