An extraordinary session of the Diet in which Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda gave his first policy speech was first scheduled to end last week but has been extended to Sept. 30. Originally the session was to be only four days, but Japan now faces serious problems: the effects of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, including the Fukushima nuclear crisis, and economic difficulties caused by a strong yen and deflation.

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan had chosen to make the session short apparently to reduce difficulties for the newly formed Noda Cabinet. But its tactics have backfired, angering opposition forces and making it difficult to get their cooperation in the Diet.

In his questioning, Liberal Democratic Party head Sadakazu Tanigaki criticized Mr. Noda for choosing such a short duration for the Diet session and not holding Budget Committee sessions, in which wide-ranging matters can be discussed. He called the DPJ and the Noda Cabinet's behavior a "reckless attempt" to shirk public responsibility. He said such a behavior had wrecked the trustworthy relationship between the ruling and opposition parties.