JAPAN

Kaieda takes DPJ helm; Ozawa overture hinted

Changed game: Former trade minister Banri Kaieda, who won the Democratic Party of Japan's presidential race, gives a show of party unity Tuesday flanked by Sumio Mabuchi (left), who ran unsuccessfully against him, and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at a Tokyo hotel. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

By Masami Ito
Staff Writer

Dec 26, 2012

The Democratic Party of Japan picked former trade minister Banri Kaieda as its new president Tuesday, a sign that the party may seek to join hands with Ichiro Ozawa, a former DPJ leader who left the party earlier this year, for the upcoming Upper House election.

Critics doubt, however, that Kaieda will be able to rebuild the party, which was crushed in the Dec. 16 Lower House election, saying its chances of increasing its seats in the Upper House poll are becoming slimmer.

Out of 145 votes cast in the DPJ presidential poll Tuesday, Kaieda won 90, while his only rival, former transport minister Sumio Mabuchi, received 54.

Kaieda takes DPJ helm; Ozawa overture hinted

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