Japan MP quits after admitting to cheating on his pregnant wife

A Japanese MP has quit after admitting to having an affair as his wife was due to give birth. Kensuke Miyazaki apologized for "causing an uproar" at a news conference and resigned his seat. Mr Miyazaki made waves last month when he became the first ever male MP in Japan to request paternity leave.

He faced strong opposition from people who saw it as neglecting his duties to his constituents.

Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun had earlier this week published a photo of Mr Miyazaki and a woman, said to be a bikini model and professional kimono dresser, leaving his home in Kyoto. The tabloid said the photo was taken days before his wife, fellow politician Megumi Kaneko, gave birth on 5 February. Both Mr Miyazaki and Ms Kaneko are members of the ruling Liberal Democrat Party.

He said he met the woman when she helped him and other lawmakers dress up in ceremonial kimonos for the opening of Japan's parliament, known as the Diet, on 4 January.

"I remember meeting her three times [after that]. The last time I saw her was in Kyoto. We don't contact each other anymore," he said
"I've explained everything to my wife. I deeply regret doing such a cruel thing to her just after giving birth... I sincerely apologise for causing an uproar," he told reporters as he bowed towards them.

The admission drew immediate sharp criticism online, with many Japanese condemning his actions, and also reignited the debate on paternity leave.