Japan Olympic minister steps down after series of gaffes

Yoshitaka Sakurada's resignation comes less than 500 days before Tokyo hosts the 2020 Olympic Games [Courtesy]

Japan's minister in charge of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics stepped down on Wednesday after the latest in a series of gaffes.

The resignation comes less than 500 days before Tokyo hosts the Games, and follows a decision by the head of Japan's Olympic Committee to step down as French authorities investigate him.