Two Cabinet ministers have vowed to stay in their posts despite the adoption of censure motions against them in the Upper House.

Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said he will continue working to reduce Okinawa's burden of hosting many US military facilities.

He ruled out the possibility of stepping down early next year to avoid disruptions at the next Diet session.

Consumer affairs minister Kenji Yamaoka also made clear that he will stay in his post.

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed intent to keep the ministers in their offices.

But the opposition camp is demanding their resignations, with some members hinting at a boycott of Diet deliberations.

The leader of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, Sadakazu Tanigaki, said keeping the ministers in office would make it more difficult to relocate a US air station in Okinawa and would bring other important matters to a deadlock.

The New Renaissance Party said it will boycott Diet sessions if the 2 ministers attend.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111209_40.html

Image credit: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/noda/meibo/daijin/images/ichikawa.jpg