Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso apologized to a group of doctors on Thursday after he made an "inappropriate remark that drew misunderstandings."

Aso withdrew his previous day's remark that many doctors lack common sense in a meeting with Yoshihito Karasawa, president of the Japan Medical Association.

Karasawa visited the premier at his residence Thursday to file a protest against Wednesday's comment made by Aso at a meeting with prefecture governors.

Aso said: "I understand that hospitals in rural areas are having trouble getting doctors. There are many who lack a fair degree of common sense. Their values are very different."

Another doctors' group on Thursday called Aso's comment too "careless" for a government leader.

Aso told Karasawa, "My remarks seem to have caused misunderstanding and were inappropriate. I am sorry."

The doctors association is known for its support of Aso's Liberal Democratic Party in elections. (dpa)