Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has reaffirmed his decision to leave office after parliament passes two key bills later this month addressing the financial and energy crises following the country's devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Mr. Kan, speaking Wednesday, told lawmakers he will make good on his promises to resign as soon the legislation becomes law. One bill allows the government to issue deficit-covering bonds this year, while the other promotes the use of renewable energy.

Mr. Kan's remarks came after the ruling Democratic Party of Japan agreed with the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party to aim for passage of the legislation as early as August 26.

Mr. Kan, who came to office last year, already was suffering from low approval ratings before the earthquake and tsunami flattened Japan's northeastern coast five months ago. Public frustration over the government's response to the crisis and the resulting nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima-Daiichi power plant have further eroded his popularity.