Embattled Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose apologized Friday for "causing concerns and troubles" among Tokyo citizens over a money scandal but refused to step down.

Inose attended a metropolitan assembly session for the first time since the scandal involving an alleged ¥50 million loan from the Tokushukai hospital group emerged last week.

"I apologize from the bottom of my heart for causing concerns and troubles for metropolitan citizens and assembly members who work together on metropolitan affairs. I'm really sorry," Inose said as the assembly opened a regular session.