Japan's foreign minister says the country will explain to the international community its commitment to realize a society that respects diversity.

Hayashi Yoshimasa made the remark in a news conference on Tuesday, after Prime Minister Kishida Fumio fired a top aide due to discriminatory comments about same-sex couples last week.

Foreign media called the incident an embarrassment for Kishida as he prepares to host the leaders of the Group of Seven nations in May.

Hayashi said discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity are not tolerated.

He said the government will work to realize a society in which people value the rights and dignity of others. He also said Japan is this year's G7 chair and must continue to explain its efforts to the international community.

Asked about other countries' laws that ban discrimination against LGBT people, Hayashi said G7 nations other than Japan have laws that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He added that they also have laws on same-sex marriage or partnership. But he added that it is difficult to compare the situations surrounding the issue.