Japan political jitters over suspected cronyism scandal

Kyodo quoted an unnamed Japan’s government source, citing that the Japanese   PM Abe’s wife name has been removed from the controversy documents, Reuters reports.

This comes as Abe and his ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso, face mounting pressure over a suspected cronyism scandal.

Reuters reported earlier today, “Abe, now in his sixth year in office, had hoped to put the issue of the sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a school operator with ties to his wife, Akie, behind him. But it has gathered steam with a series of fresh revelations.”

Meanwhile, Japan's Finance Ministry Aso is reported admitting that a total of 14 Moritomo documents were forged

Key Details:

Admits it forged the documents.

Forgery occurred around February 2017.

First Lady Akie Abe's name was reportedly in the original Finance Ministry documents but was removed in the forgery.

Separately, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga was also out on the wires, via Reuters, citing:

Fin Min Aso should take charge of the ongoing investigation into land sale issue.

Will report on suspected cronyism case to parliament in afternoon.