TOKYO (Reuters) – Unpopular Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Tuesday refused to step down in the face of a no-confidence motion in parliament this week, saying he wanted first to resolve the world's worst nuclear crisis in 25 years.

Analysts say Kan would probably survive the vote, which could be submitted on Wednesday, but add he would still face big hurdles pushing policies through a divided parliament, including an extra budget to help pay for the recovery from damage caused by the March earthquake and tsunami that crippled the Fukushima nuclear plant and devastated northeast Japan.
""I cannot give up the responsibility to do what needs to be done now. I would like to resolve the nuclear crisis first,"" Kan told a panel in parliament.
""I am determined to perform my duty.""
Pressure from inside his own party mounted after media said ruling party power broker Ichiro Ozawa had hinted he would back the no-confidence motion if Kan refused to quit.