Naoto Kan, leader of the Democratic Party of Japan, formally announced Tuesday that he would run for a third consecutive term as head of the nation's largest opposition party.

In a Tokyo press conference, Kan said he will run in next month's election even if Yukio Hatoyama, the party's deputy secretary general, joins the race.

"No matter who may run," Kan said, "it will not change my determination."

Kan said the DPJ presidential election is the semifinal in the contest for the nation's leadership, with the final to be fought in the general election, which must be held before October 2000.

"I will campaign with all my strength and ask the people and party members if they think I am suitable as a prime ministerial candidate," he said.

Hatoyama, who has indicated his intention to run in the race, is gathering strong support from many DPJ members. Observers say Kan would face an uphill battle if Hatoyama runs and that it could seriously divide the party.

Kan admitted that he has been "immature" in handling affairs within the party and said, "My immaturity and behavior sometimes have caused embarrassment and confusion."

Kan, who does not want a confrontation with Hatoyama, told the news conference that he had met with Hatoyama earlier in the day and sought support for his re-election.

But the DPJ leader also said he will respect Hatoyama's decision, whatever it may be.

According to Kan, Hatoyama asked him to wait for "one-and-a-half days" for an answer, saying he has many people to consult before deciding whether to run or not.

The DPJ's official election campaign begins Sept. 11. The election itself is scheduled for Sept. 25

Current DPJ legislators, DPJ-backed candidates in the next general election and two representatives each from the party's prefectural associations will be eligible to vote.

Dissatisfaction is brewing over Kan's leadership as a result of the DPJ's inability to formulate an effective countermeasure to efforts by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Liberal Party to incorporate the No. 2 opposition party, New Komeito, into their coalition government.

When the DPJ was launched in September 1996, it was led by both Hatoyama and Kan. The latter became the party's sole leader in April 1998 when it expanded by taking on former members of other parties.

Kan was re-elected president early this year, beating younger rival Shigefumi Matsuzawa.

The LDP is scheduled to hold its leadership election in September. Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, former LDP Secretary General Koichi Kato and former LDP policy chief Taku Yamasaki have announced their candidacies.

Obuchi is believed to be far ahead of his two rivals in the race, which will also determine who will be prime minister since the LDP has a majority in the House of Representatives, the lower but more powerful chamber in the Diet.