Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka is expected to step down after less than one month into the post amid revelations he received dubious political donations and consorted with gangsters.
Opposition parties have been calling for his resignation, which would be an embarrassing blow to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
Tanaka, 74, was hospitalized on Oct. 19, complaining of poor health.
Noda reshuffled his Cabinet on Oct. 1.
Soon after the appointment, it was learned that Tanaka's political organization received 420,000 yen ($5,300) in donations from a company run by a Chinese man between 2006 and 2009.
The Political Fund Control Law in principle bans receiving donations from any company in which a foreign national holds a majority stake.
Tanaka also acknowledged Oct. 12 that he attended a function organized by a senior gang member and also served as a go-between for the wedding of another gangster about 30 years ago. Those revelations were initially reported in a weekly magazine.
At that time, Tanaka denied any intention to resign.
Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of opposition New Komeito, has said his party plans to submit a censure motion against Tanaka in the Upper House.
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