Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's administration found itself in an increasingly tight spot Monday after the Social Democratic Party bolted from the ruling bloc and then turned around and signaled it would side with a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet.
Speaking to reporters a day after the SDP officially announced its departure from the Democratic Party of Japan-led alliance, Hatoyama indicated he plans to continue leading the nation despite mounting demands for his resignation.
"We need to have faith and keep going. It all boils down to trying our best to work for the people and regaining a steady hand on politics," he said.