Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has indicated he is willing to discuss political and social security reforms with opposition parties.

Ishiba made the comments at a news conference on Monday after paying a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Prefecture, central Japan.

Referring to the minority government of his Liberal Democratic Party and its partner Komeito, he said the ruling coalition needs to fulfill its responsibility for current and future generations.

He also said the opposition bloc needs to share the responsibility more than ever. He also stressed the need for thorough discussions to win the people's understanding and empathy.

On political reforms, Ishiba expressed hope for reaching a conclusion by the end of March on whether to ban donations by businesses and organizations to political parties. The largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is calling for a prohibition against such donations.

Ishiba expressed readiness to discuss electoral reforms. He said that what is important is to provide voters with correct information to make decisions, so that public opinion will be appropriately reflected.

The prime minister stressed the need to maintain or strengthen the sustainability of social security systems.

He indicated that the government will work to create social security systems in which all generations help each other and make contributions.

He also pledged to work to materialize a society where everyone, including senior citizens and child-rearing people, supports others.

The prime minister added that cross-party consensus is needed for the pension scheme that has been operated for decades.

He said he hopes that ruling and opposition parties will start their constructive discussions with pension scheme reforms.