Japan's ambassador to China apologized during a Diet committee meeting Friday for mishandling an asylum bid by North Koreans who were seized by Chinese police after they entered the Japanese Consulate General in Shenyang.
"I accept my punishment solemnly, deeply reflect on my deeds, and will see to it that my job responsibilities are met without any omission," Koreshige Anami told the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. "I regret that I could not fulfill my job responsibilities."
Anami, who was admonished over the incident, offered a public apology for the first time since the incident took place but indicated he has no plan to step down as Japan's top envoy in China, saying it is not a matter he should be making a hasty decision on.