TOKYO — The financial misconduct trial of former Nissan executive Greg Kelly began Tuesday with Kelly saying he committed no crimes and was only trying to keep his star boss Carlos Ghosn from leaving.

The charges being heard at Tokyo District Court center on Kelly's alleged role in failing to report to Japanese authorities the future compensation of Ghosn, who led Nissan Motor Co. for two decades.

A former Nissan Motor executive has pleaded not guilty to a charge of underreporting the income of ousted chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Greg Kelly, Ghosn's close aide, attended the opening hearing of his trial at Tokyo District Court on Tuesday.

The leader of junior coalition partner Komeito, Yamaguchi Natsuo, told NHK that he was surprised when Prime Minister Abe Shinzo told him about his intention to resign because it came out of the blue.

Komeito executives plan to hold an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon.