Mori leaves political storm

Mori leaves political storm

TOKYO (Reuters): Japan's embattled leader Yoshiro Mori toured a volcano-stricken island on Saturday trying to look prime ministerial even as he faces a no-confidence motion in parliament and widespread calls for his resignation.

Mori boarded a military helicopter bound for Miyakejima, about 180 km south of Tokyo, to inspect the island that had been evacuated six months ago after several volcanic eruptions and fears of a cataclysmic blast.

In Tokyo, a tempest was still brewing over his administration with a leading opposition politician saying that passage of a no- confidence measure was essential for boosting Japan's sagging stock market and building a brighter future.

"There is a feeling all across Japan that we are being trapped. We need to break through this blockade in the current Diet session," said leading opposition lawmaker Naoto Kan of the Democratic Party in an address to supporters.