A cronyism scandal linked to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has grown to a new level after the finance ministry admitted to tampering with documents.
They relate to the sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which has ties to the prime minister's wife, Akie.
The ministry admitted on Monday that it altered the documents to remove references to Abe and his wife before they were handed over to parliament.
Abe issued an apology, saying he feels keenly responsible and admitted the situation may erode public trust in his administration.
He has repeatedly denied he or his wife did favors for the school operator and said last year he would resign if evidence was found linking them to the scandal.