Fresh from surviving a no-confidence motion, Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori on Tuesday faced renewed calls to resign, this time from Justice Minister Masahiko Komura.
"Traditionally, good Japanese leaders have made decisions on their resignations at an appropriate time in an appropriate manner," Komura said at a news conference. "The prime minister should follow the tradition and set a good example for the nation's public."
But Mori reiterated that he has no intention of stepping down, saying his responsibility is now to push the budget and its related bills through the Diet.