Kan's

But uncertainties remain, reflecting investor skepticism about Mr. Kan's ability to push the legislation through a sharply divided parliament.

Tepco Sees Future As Rebuilt Private Firm Mitsuru Obe 2011

Upset by the slow trickle of data from Prime Minister Naoto Kan's office, he began calling Cabinet-level officials representing the ministries of defense, foreign affairs and even finance, this official says.

Japan Concedes Severity of Blast Chester Dawson 2011

The appointment may also at least partially help to repair Mr. Kan's relations with a rebel group within his ruling party.

Japan Names Matsumoto as Foreign Minister Toko Sekiguchi 2011

The secretary-general and No. 2 of Mr. Kan's own Democratic Party of Japan, Katsuya Okada, also sounded less than enthusiastic.

Japan's Kan Gives Condition for Exit Toko Sekiguchi 2011

The cost of the parliamentary clash between the government and opposition has been largely confined to the political arena, pulling down Mr. Kan's approval ratings to less than 20% and stirring discord within the ruling party.

Investors Fret Over Impact of Japan's Turmoil Toko Sekiguchi 2011

Mr. Matsumoto, a fourth-term lower house member in Mr. Kan's Democratic Party of Japan, takes office less than a week before the G-8 foreign ministers' meeting in Paris, a factor that many observers expected would influence Mr. Kan's decision.

Japan Names Matsumoto as Foreign Minister Toko Sekiguchi 2011

But with the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, in its eagerness to jettison its unpopular leader, stepping up efforts to negotiate with the opposition, Mr. Kan's exit is expected as soon as next month.

Japan Passes Budget, Taking Kan Closer to His Resignation Toko Sekiguchi 2011

Prime Minister Naoto Kan's administration, moreover, released a plan to help deal with mounting pension costs and a worsening fiscal situation, including a sales-tax increase.

Japan Economy Faces Some Headwinds James Simms 2011

Mr. Hosono's suggested timeline of introducing the necessary bills in next year's parliament session, so that the new agency can be created by April, may prove problematic in light of Mr. Kan's expected resignation in the next several weeks.

Japan Nuclear Agency May Fall Under New Authority Toko Sekiguchi 2011

"There were worried voices," Mr. Okada said about Mr. Kan's decision to add Mr. Hamada to the leadership team.

Japan's Kan Gives Condition for Exit Toko Sekiguchi 2011