Japan's opposition submits no-confidence against Mori

A vote on the motion will be held at a House of Representatives plenary session later in the day. The motion is expected to be voted down by Mori's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its two coalition partners -- the New Komeito party and the New Conservative Party -- which hold a majority in the lower chamber.

Mori has been facing pressure to step down even within his own party after a string of verbal gaffes and scandals as well as over his handling of the February 9 sinking of a Japanese high school fisheries training ship off Hawaii by a U.S. nuclear-powered submarines.

He was criticised for continuing his game of golf for another two hours on February 10 after he heard of the sinking. Some reports said Mori had bet money on the game.

Nine Japanese, including four high school students, were killed while 26 others were rescued after the February 9 collision.

Mori's support ratings have dropped to below 10 per cent in recent surveys, promoting calls for his resignation from ruling bloc lawmakers, who are worried they will take a beating in July's House of Councillors election if Mori stays in office.

(sda)