The administration and the Democratic Party of Japan failed again Thursday to form a consensus among party members on the contentious consumption tax hike, postponing until next week a planned Cabinet meeting to formalize the bill.

The administration originally planned to formalize the unpopular bill at a Cabinet meeting Friday. The DPJ held meetings four straight days to persuade rank-and-file members to support the proposed legislation.

"Considering the time necessary for procedures, it's difficult to approve (the bill) in the Cabinet meeting on (March) 23," Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said.