At an extraordinary convention of the Democratic Party of Japan in Tokyo on Sept. 21, DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa surprised party members by declaring that the upcoming Lower House election will be his last opportunity to lead a nationwide political campaign.
Saying he is nearing his limits, physically and mentally, Ozawa thus ruled out the possibility of staying at the helm of the party much longer, even if the DPJ wins in the coming election.
This has stirred much speculation over who would succeed him as the head of the No. 1 opposition group. Three names have been mentioned as likely candidates: Naoto Kan, who is Ozawa's deputy; Yukio Hatoyama, currently DPJ secretary general; and Katsuya Okada, deputy head of the DPJ.