I will engage in sincere reflection in order to win back the trust of Tokyo metropolitan residents through my work.

And I guess there are some who really believe he will "engage in sincere reflection"; that these are not just words to get the media off his back.

Just pay back the money you stole and we might begin to believe you.

What does that even mean? Pay the money back or resign.

He seems to believe his only work is to spend other people's money. That being the case, it would be better for us all if he simply stayed home and did no "work" at all.

There is a big difference in the way the private and public sectors use money. The private sector uses money to create as much return as possible, and this return is used to create further returns. The public sector uses money to create a much loss as possible, because losses in the form of unnecessary spending, cost overruns, and subsidies create more opportunities for graft, favors, and vote-buying.

If he had any sense, he would resign immediately.

I will engage in sincere reflection in order to win back the trust of Tokyo metropolitan residents through my work.

Can a shoplifter or pickpocket also engage in sincere reflection in order to win back the trust of society through THEIR work?

You took and used money that didn't belong to you. That's stealing. You are no different from a shoplifter or common house thief. Why is it that YOU can keep you job and not go to jail, but they do? Scumbag.

Reflection?

First order of business should be to repay the money he STOLE from taxpayers (as I am a tax payer he stole from me).

I just wonder what it will take for people (of any nation) to get sick and tired of politicians misusing funds (this goes to the top in the U.S.) and demand repayment of funds or resignation (or both).

Sadly enough there are always those that will make excuses for these types of actions.

This guy should go on TV, bow and apologize, and then resign.

Like his predecessor, Masuzoe has done something to upset his masters, so they have pulled the carpet from under his feet. No one becomes a high level politician in any country without having had a few strings attached. These strings come in the form of bribes, favors, and overlooking minor (and major) misdeeds. If you fail to jump when your masters tell you to, then these strings are pulled, and things are leaked to the press.

The press in Japan is far more subservient to industry and the government than in other countries, and stories like this can be easily covered up if those in charge want them covered up. Since this has become public, it looks as though someone is unhappy with Masuzoe, and is rubbing his nose in his mess. More than likely, Masuzoe will end up resigning, and a more obedient puppet will be put in his place.

This is one of the reasons honest people avoid careers in politics, they value their integrity too much to accept the strings. And those honest people who do run find they have no chance of winning unless they are willing to sell their integrity and accept a bag or two of cash, a sweet job for their son-in-law, or overlooking a previous brush with the law.

Gotta love the system.

Get rid of the bum. But who can replace him ... another greedy crook? That seems to be the only kind of person who can operate in this huge, rich metropolis.

"I will engage in sincere reflection in order to win back the trust of Tokyo metropolitan residents" Mate, if you win back their trust I will run through the Shibuya scramble crossing buck naked!!

I will engage in sincere reflection in order to win back the trust of Tokyo metropolitan residents" Mate, if you win back their trust I will run through the Shibuya scramble crossing buck naked!!

That was brilliant!!