Former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara decided Tuesday evening to run for the Democratic Party of Japan presidential race to choose a successor to Prime Minister Naoto Kan. Mr. Maehara, sure to become a strong candidate, should present a clear future vision of Japan and a direction it will take because Japan is now steeped in a sense of helplessness.
Five other DPJ lawmakers reportedly have expressed intentions to run so far — Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, trade and industry minister Banri Kaieda, agriculture minister Michihiko Kano, former infrastructure and transport minister Sumio Mabuchi and former environment minister Sakihito Ozawa.
Mr. Noda had been believed to be leading the others. He has been calling for tax increases in the near future to raise funds for the reconstruction from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and to reform the social welfare system.