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The development will be seen as a significant blow for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Mr Amari, who has been minister of state for economic and fiscal policy since late 2012, has been widely described as one of Mr Abe’s most trusted members of parliament.

As Japan’s lead negotiator for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, Mr Amari was expected to travel to New Zealand next week to sign the agreement.

He was also regarded as the architect of Abenomics – Mr Abe’s plan to pull the world’s third largest economy out of deflation.

“This is possibly the biggest scandal the Abe administration has faced,” said the BBC’s Mariko Oi.

“His resignation will probably raise even more questions over Mr Abe’s economic policies – or Abenomics,” our correspondent added. “It may also raise further opposition within Japan to the TPP.” Mr Amari will be replaced by Nobuteru Ishihara, formerly the country’s environment minister……

Mr Amari is the fourth member of Mr Abe’s cabinet to resign amid allegations of bribery, among other issues.

Mr Abe has apologised for the latest resignation. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35427563