Japanese Finance Minister resigns after showing up drunk at G7 meeting

The Japanese Finance Minister, Shoichi Nakagawa, announced that he would submit his resignation during the following weeks, after he was accused of showing up under the influence of alcohol at the G7 reunion in Rome on Saturday. Unable to finish his sentences during the press conference after the event and even falling asleep on several occasions, the official – known for his appetite for alcohol – claimed he was affected by some flu medication he had taken.

Nakagawa said he would resign as soon as the Japanese Parliament adopts the state budget for 2009 – 2010.