Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa said Monday he wants to see his party win 55 seats or more in the upcoming House of Councilors election, revising upward his previous goal of at least 50.
"I had stated my goal was 50 seats or more," Ozawa said at a meeting with officials of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, or Rengo, in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. "But now I want to secure 55 seats or more to obtain an absolute majority" in the Upper House.
Ozawa apparently raised the mark because of the possibility that the Liberal Democratic Party-led governing coalition could forge a partnership with part of the opposition camp, including the People's New Party, after the election to maintain its majority.
Rengo is one of the largest organizations that supports the DPJ.