Democratic Party of Japan leader Yukio Hatoyama, the prime minister-in-waiting, has moved to fill key party posts and the next Cabinet with political heavyweights. He wants his party as a unit, rather than individual politicians, to play the leading role in developing policy, thus taking the initiative away from bureaucrats.
Mr. Hatoyama needs to demonstrate leadership to achieve this goal. He will have to exercise courage to control his political comrades. On their part, DPJ heavyweights should cooperate with Mr. Hatoyama in a constructive manner and refrain from disruptive behavior.
Mr. Hatoyama has picked DPJ acting leader Mr. Ichiro Ozawa as secretary general of the party, the No. 2 post. He will appoint Mr. Naoto Kan, another DPJ acting leader, as state minister in charge of the National Strategy Bureau, a policymaking body to be created directly under the prime minister; and DPJ secretary general Katsuya Okada as foreign minister. Mr. Hatoyama will also appoint close aide Hirofumi Hirano as chief Cabinet secretary.