The Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has dismissed calls to step down after his Foreign Minister resigned amid a political funding scandal. Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, who was considered a possible successor to Mr. Kan, resigned abruptly on Sunday and acknowledged that he has accepted a campaign contribution from a foreign national. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano will temporarily carry out Maehara's duties. Japan's opposition wants the Prime Minister to dissolve the upper house of parliament and call for early elections. Japan has had five Prime Ministers in the past five years. Mr. Kan says he intends to complete his four-year term.