Some days ago Minister Matsumoto told the governors of Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures hit by mass earthquake that he would not help those who do not display their wisdom, sparking off a furor. This forced him to formally resign Tuesday.

On Wednesday the Japanese prime minister admitted the blame for appointing Matsumoto as minister and apologized for it.

There is an increasing view within the Democratic Party that the governing ability of the present government has already been paralyzed due to Matsumoto's resignation, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.