The Diet showdown between the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party is spilling over into the legislature's souvenir stands for the public.
Critics say sales of souvenirs featuring word plays on Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, the DPJ chief, and LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki can be used to gauge the strength of their respective parties before next summer's House of Councilors election.
Hatoyama and his wife, Miyuki, are featured on "karei senbei" rice crackers, marketed by Kitamura of Taito Ward, Tokyo.