Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, after relying heavily on public support for his political power base, is now turning against the majority of Japanese, who oppose a war against Iraq.

At a House of Councilors Budget Committee meeting Wednesday, Koizumi lamented recent opinion polls that show nearly 80 percent of the public opposes the looming war, saying that following public opinion is not always right in formulating policies.

"There are times when we might make a mistake if we follow public opinion," Koizumi said when asked by an opposition lawmaker what he feels about popular opposition to the war. "History proves the point that in many cases, it is not right to be swayed by public opinion."