Japanese politician Ryutaro Nonomura melts down during apology

TOKYO, July 3 (UPI) -- Japanese politician Ryutaro Nonomura, 47, had a meltdown that went viral Thursday during his apology for misusing government funds.

Nonomura was accused of not being able to provide receipts for approximately $30,000 in expenses. He issued a public apology that was rife with bouts of uncontrollable sobbing as he incoherently attempted to explain his actions.

"I finally became an assembly member," he said, between episodes of weeping, "with the sole purpose of changing society."

"Don't you understand?" he kept repeating.

Public displays like Nonomura's are considered shameful in Japanese culture and many called him a "spoiled 3-year-old" and "drama queen."