Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe acknowledged that he is “keenly responsible” for the defeat suffered in the recent upper house elections by his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) party, but despite call from LDP members he refused to step down.

“I feel keenly responsible as we've lost many people. I'm very sorry for those who were defeated,” Abe said.

“I am aware that some members are calling for my resignation, but I decided to stay as I have to fulfil my responsibility by proceeding with reforms.”

Several LDP members have asked for his resignation, blaming Abe for the loss of majority in the parliament’s upper house after a painful defeat suffered on July 29. Aside from leaving the premier’s seat, LDP members said Abe should also leave the party’s helm to somebody else that can tilt it up.

“The prime minister should leave his job, and the LDP should restart discussions at a fundamental level, as it is a problem for the entire party,” Japan’s former head of the Defense Agency Gen Nakatani said.

The main opposition party, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) now controls majority in the upper house and has the power of lifting hurdles for legislation projects proposed by the LDP, who still has control over the much powerful lower house.