TOKYO, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Japanese lawmaker Hiroyuki Hosoda said Friday that he will resign from the post of speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the parliament, due to health issues.
Hosoda told a press conference that he had undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate and for having suffered from a stroke, which made it difficult for him to continue his current duties as the speaker.
However, Hosoda, 79, expressed his intention to run in the next general election. "I would like to remain involved in national politics as a lawmaker," he said.
Amid criticism that he has not sufficiently explained his ties with the Unification Church, Hosoda, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, emphasized that he does not have any questionable connections with the controversial religious group.
Referring to sexual harassment allegations against him, Hosoda said he believes that they are "just rumors," as no one has yet come forward claiming they were the victim. ■