Japan ministry 'to admit doctoring documents linked to Abe cronyism row’

Japan's finance ministry will admit altering documents related to cronyism allegations against Shinzo Abe, local media reported yesterday, a major blow to the premier who enjoys relatively high public support.

If confirmed, the news will also heap pressure on Finance Minister Taro Aso who insisted on Friday he had no plans to resign over the affair.

The media reports come after a finance ministry official, who was reportedly at the heart of a scandal over the cut-price sale of government-owned land to a close friend of Abe, was found dead and a second key official stepped down Friday.