Prime Minister Naoto Kan made a bold gesture Monday by reaching out to junior Democratic Party of Japan ranks considered faithful to DPJ kingpin Ichiro Ozawa, who rumor has it may run against Kan for the party presidency next month and hence seek the prime ministership.

Many first-year Diet members were coached by Ozawa and are considered part of his intraparty group. But Kan's chances of retaining the DPJ helm would be significantly boosted if he could persuade this crowd into backing him.

So far Ozawa, who stepped down as DPJ secretary general last June and the presidency in spring 2009, both due to financial scandals, has been noncommittal about entering the party's Sept. 14 presidential race.