Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Monday urged ruling party power-broker Ichiro Ozawa to support the party's goal to double the 5 percent consumption tax.
Noda reiterated his call to Ozawa, a vocal opponent of the tax hike, in a bid to tap into the clout of the former Democratic Party of Japan leader, who was acquitted last week over a political funds scandal.
"Our party made the decision (on the tax hike) after lengthy discussions," Noda told reporters accompanying him on his U.S. trip. "Ultimately, we want party members to follow the party's line."