Japan's prime minister is apologizing for offensive comments made by a top aide about same-sex couples.

The aide, Arai Masayoshi, said on Friday he would not want a same-sex couple living next door to him. He also said all of Kishida Fumio's secretaries are against same-sex marriage. Arai retracted the comment and apologized later in the day. The prime minister fired him on Saturday.

Kishida spoke at a meeting of government and ruling party members Monday. He said the remarks were contrary to the government's policy of respecting diversity and creating an inclusive society.

Kishida said, "The remarks are totally inconsistent with government policy. And it is regrettable that they caused misunderstanding among the public. I also apologize to those who felt uncomfortable because of the remarks."

Kishida's political opposition is criticizing the administration over the comments.

Azumi Jun, the constitutional diet affairs committee chairperson, said, "It is very embarrassing that the Japanese government, as the G7 chair, has such an outdated stance to issues related to LGBT and same-sex marriage."

A group supporting sexual minorities in Japan is also criticizing the secretary's controversial comments. The advocacy group says the secretary's comments do not reflect what most of Japanese society thinks. Japan remains the only G7 country that does not allow same-sex marriage.