Japanese minister resigns over church ties

Japan's Economy Minister, Daishiro Yamagiwa, on Monday submitted his resignation over his ties to the Unification Church.

Yamagiwa was facing mounting criticisms that he lacked explanations in a widening controversy that has involved dozens of other party lawmakers and rocked Prime Minister Fumio Kishdia's government.

The Kishida government's support ratings nosedived over his handling of the church controversy and for holding a state funeral for Abe.

The church since the 1980s has faced accusations of devious recruitment and brainwashing people into making large financial donations. Kishida said he will announce Yamagiwa's successor Tuesday.