Japan’s first lady quits school position

TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese first lady has resigned as “honorary principal” of a private elementary school run by a man with ultra-nationalistic views following an escalating controversy over the low price the school paid for government land.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Friday’s parliamentary session that his wife Akie had resigned from the role. His confirmation comes a day after an endorsement of the school from her was removed from its website. Abe, however, has said he was aware that Akie served in an honorary position for the school, whose president is a passionate supporter of the prime minister’s views.

Abe said Friday that Akie decided to step down after the couple talked following “various developments” surrounding the school. He said he has protested to the school over its use of his name in a donation form despite Abe’s repeated objections.