Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda apologized Sunday for his industry minister's resignation over remarks which offended people affected by the Fukushima nuclear crisis, and pledged to make efforts in regaining public trust in his government.
"I deeply apologize for the incident which hurt the feelings of residents in Fukushima Prefecture," Noda told reporters when asked about a replacement for the resigned indusry minister Yoshio Hachiro.
"I continue to believe that there will be no reviving of Japan without first reviving Fukushima. Everyone in the government will strive as one to restore (public) confidence" in his administration, he said, stopping short of commenting on when he plans to pick Hachiro's replacement.
Hachiro tendered his resignation to Noda late Saturday, eight days after he took his post, which included overseeing the utility sector.
Noda appointed Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura as acting minister of economy, trade and industry before the appointment of Hachiro's permanent successor.