Nagano Gov. Yasuo Tanaka signaled Thursday his intention to continue at his post even though the prefectural assembly passed a no-confidence motion against him last week.
"I have a strong will to continue reforms in the prefectural administration along with (Nagano) residents," Tanaka told a news conference.
The no-confidence motion was passed 44-5.
Tanaka, a prizewinning novelist before entering politics, has been criticized by assembly members for canceling two dam projects in the mountainous prefecture.