A group of Japanese city majors has called on the government to offer aid to ailing shipyards as the country’s shipbuilding crisis worsens.

Seventeen majors, led by Imabari's Kan Ryoji, visited the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan’s offices in Tokyo.

They met secretary general Toshihiro Nikai and called for the party to back state aid to promote the consolidation of the shipbuilding industry and improve productivity.