Democratic Party of Japan heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa said Saturday he would stake his political life on serving as the nation's leader, while Prime Minister Naoto Kan reiterated his resolve to revitalize the nation's economy as the two contenders sought to garner support in the party's leadership race.

"I will strive to work for you by staking my entire political life," Ozawa said in a joint event with Kan where they gave campaign speeches in Tokyo's Shinjuku district on Saturday afternoon.

Ozawa also said he is ready to fulfill the duties of prime minister.