People interviewed Tuesday on the streets of Tokyo voiced hope that new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will quickly find ways to rebuild the tsunami-ravaged Tohoku region but were frustrated by the frequent changes in leaders and called for a stable government.
They also acknowledged Noda's stance that a tax hike is necessary.
Noda beat trade minister Banri Kaieda in Monday's runoff for the Democratic Party of Japan's presidency and became the new prime minister Tuesday.