In a Yomiuri Shimbun opinion survey conducted just after the election, 72 percent of those polled had an optimistic view of the Democratic Party of Japan, reflecting a favorable popular response to the outcome of the Aug. 30 general election.
Yet, in an Asahi Shimbun survey, only 32 percent of pollees said the DPJ could greatly change politics in Japan, versus 46 percent who thought the party could not. Asked about the reason for the party's victory, 38 percent of those polled mentioned "people's support for its policies," while 52 percent did not believe that was the case.
The Hatoyama administration's strength will be tested by its political management and policy development. Hence, it is necessary to consider several points.