— Japan’s new disaster reconstruction minister submitted his resignation Tuesday after making remarks widely criticized as offensive during a visit to the earthquake-devasted northeast coast, where he refused to shake a governor’s hand, scolded the official and threatened to withhold aid.
In meetings with local governors over the weekend, Ryu Matsumoto appeared arrogant and uncaring, angering local residents and political opponents. He told the governor of Iwate, one of the hardest-hit prefectures, that the government would not help municipalities that did not have good ideas about rebuilding.
In talks with Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai, Matsumoto appeared annoyed that he was made to wait for the governor’s arrival. Matsumoto refused to shake Murai’s hand when he entered the room and scolded the visibly surprised governor.
