The Democratic Party of Japan, the largest opposition force in the Diet, is back in the public spotlight.
After longtime veteran and leader Banri Kaieda failed to gain a Diet seat in the Dec. 14 Lower House election and abruptly stepped down from the DPJ presidency, several senior members have indicated they may vie for the party's helm when the ranks vote Jan. 18.
Who will lead the largest opposition party next will be of critical importance in fighting back against the powerful Liberal Democratic Party, which returned to power after the DPJ's 2009-2012 control of the government.