One week on the job and Japan's new Minister of Tsunami Reconstruction quits:
Japan's Minister for Reconstruction Ryu Matsumoto has announced his resignation after just a week in the job.
He had been widely criticised for making insensitive remarks to governors of areas badly affected by March's deadly earthquake and tsunami.
Mr Matsumoto berated Miyagi prefecture governor Yoshihiro Murai for keeping him waiting. He then told journalists filming the exchange that it should not be broadcast, saying their networks would suffer if it was.
In a meeting with Iwate governor Takuya Tasso, Mr Matsumoto warned the government "will help areas that offer ideas, but will not help those without ideas. I want you to work with that kind of resolve".
His comments were aired on television, and the footage received thousands of hits on YouTube and other video-sharing websites, prompting a public outcry and calls for his resignation.
When challenged about his remarks on his return to Tokyo the minister blamed his blood group - those with type B are reputed in Japan to have abrasive personalities.
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