Shizuoka Gov. Heita Kawakatsu submitted a letter of resignation Wednesday after facing backlash over remarks criticized as being discriminatory against certain professions.

¡°It would be in the best interest of the prefectural residents for me to step down,¡± he said during a news conference on Wednesday.

¡°I know the citizens of (my) prefecture have been greatly troubled by my remarks,¡± he said. ¡°I wanted to put an end to it as soon as possible.¡±