Naoto Kan intends to run for DPJ leadership

Japan's Finance Minister Naoto Kan says he intends to run for the leadership of the ruling party to succeed Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. Hatoyama resigned after failing to fulfill his campaign promises.

Naoto Kan will stand in Friday's election to choose the Democratic Party of Japan's new head.

Naoto Kan, Japan's Finance Minister, said, "I gave various views on the current situation and made up my mind to run for the party leadership election held the day after tomorrow."

Many believe the election is merely a formality for Kan on his way to becoming the next prime minister of Japan.

Jeffery Kingston, Director of Asian Studies, Temple University, said, "And Naoto Kan is veteran, well-known politician. He's outspoken, he sort of does not mind stepping on toes. He's a person who has got a bit of a populist side to him, where he's been jawboning the central bank and calling for them to do more to battle deflation."

Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, are other possible candidates.

Hatoyama stepped down over broken campaign promises and falling approval ratings. He is the fourth prime minister in four years to quit.

Yukio Hatoyama, Outgoing Japanese PM, said, "As I felt distance from the people of Japan and my voice was not heard by them, I judged that it was best for me to withdraw from this job."

Analysts say the new prime minister faces an enormously challenging and unenviable job of steering his party through an extremely difficult election and minimizing damage.

The leader will also have to carry out the government's promise with the US to build a new base on Okinawa.

Source: cntv.cn