Tokyo (ANTARA News/AFP) - The governor of Tokyo resigned Thursday after he admitted receiving $500,000 from a hospital tycoon ahead of his election in what he claimed was an interest-free, personal loan.

Naoki Inose, who was elected head of one of the worlds biggest cities a year ago, said he had handed his letter of resignation to the head of the assembly.

"I have decided to resign from the post of Tokyo governor," Inose told a hurriedly arranged press conference.

"I intended to fulfil my duty of explaining to the city assembly, people of Tokyo and people of the nation, but regrettably I could not clear doubts over me. Its solely because of my lack of virtue."

Inose also said he could not let the scandal impede preparations for the Olympics in 2020.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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