Finally announcing his resignation to the public, Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori said Wednesday he is leaving office so his Liberal Democratic Party can win back the public's trust after a string of embarrassing scandals and his own gaffes.
Mori meanwhile boasted about what he claims were achievements made during his 12-month tenure, including advancement in information technology and diplomatic relations with the United States and Russia.
"I recognized that there are some aspects on which I would not be able to win the public's understanding," Mori said at his farewell press conference, held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.