Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has again defended his decision to reject some of the nominees for the Science Council of Japan, saying that it does not undermine the top academic body's independence.

Suga spoke at a Diet committee meeting on Friday about his refusal to appoint six nominees. His decision to break from the custom of appointing everyone recommended by the council has generated controversy.

Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has defended his decision not to appoint six scholars as members of Japan's leading academic body, a move which has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

Suga spoke to reporters on Monday about the refusal to appoint six nominees to the Science Council of Japan, the first such move since the current nomination scheme began in fiscal 2004.

Japan's top government spokesperson has defended Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replies to questions about dinner parties held at a Tokyo hotel on the eve of annual cherry blossom viewing events he hosted.

Opposition lawmaker Kazunori Yamanoi told the Lower House Budget Committee on Wednesday that the hotel says it issues itemized statements without exception, and contradicts the prime minister regarding receipts. He accused Abe of making false replies.

The head of Japan's nuclear watchdog has stressed that the screening of a reactor at the Ikata nuclear plant in western Japan was carried out appropriately.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Chairman Toyoshi Fuketa of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, or NRA, commented on a court ruling that ordered the suspension of the No.3 reactor.