Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has cleared numerous political hurdles since taking office in September, but his goal of raising the consumption tax and reforming the social security system may prove insurmountable as he wages a two-front battle.
Noda faces rebellion from within the ranks of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan in March when the Cabinet plans to approve contentious bills to raise the 5 percent consumption tax.
In summer, the opposition-controlled Upper House will likely block the proposed legislation, according to analysts.