Former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who still exerts much influence in Japanese politics at the age of 90, hailed Ichiro Ozawa in an interview toward the end of last year as "having gained dignity, insight and stature during the past year" as the man qualified to lead his Democratic Party of Japan and to replace incumbent Prime Minister Taro Aso of the governing Liberal Democratic Party.

In a more recent television appearance, however, Nakasone said he had some reservations about Ozawa's ability to lead the nation, pointing out that he is lazy, introverted and not in good health.

Of particular concern is Ozawa's health. During the past decade, Japan lost two prime ministers due to health issues: Keizo Obuchi died of a cerebral infraction in 2000 and Shinzo Abe had to resign because of illness in 2007. The respective successors of these leaders, Yoshiro Mori and Yasuo Fukuda, faced many difficulties as a result. This shows that only a physically fit person should take the helm of government.