The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tokyo

Japan's farm minister faced calls Tuesday to explain himself or resign in a money scandal, dealing a potential new blow to beleaguered Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

Seiichi Ota, a brash-speaking heavyweight appointed just this month in a reshuffle, admitted his political support group booked office expenses of 23.45 million yen (214,000 dollars) despite working out of his secretary's house.

The office of the group, meant to help Ota during elections, was in an unmarked house, raising suspicions that there could be hidden funds.

The incident had a hint of political deja vu for the farm ministry, which saw three ministers replaced in 2007 due to money scandals, including one who committed suicide.

"I've been disclosing this information for years because I see no problem," Ota told a news conference.