Mr Kan again faced criticism in parliament on Monday - with one opposition lawmaker suggesting he had been ill-prepared from the outset.

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Kan should move soon on his pledge for corporate-rate relief.

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At the press conference, Kan also apologized for the long-standing policy of increasing reliance on nuclear power.

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On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan recommended freezing an already-approved plan to build 14 new nuclear reactors by 2030.

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Commenting on the meeting convened by PM Kan on February 5, the Yomiuri Shimbun appealed to all political parties to refrain from political posturing and advantage-seeking, and to join in positive, constructive discussion in order to reinforce the welfare system.

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