People's Life Party leader Ichiro Ozawa attends a debate session with seven other party leaders ahead of the December 14 lower house election in Tokyo December 1, 2014. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS ELECTIONS HEADSHOT) 

Japan's Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Shinzo Abe (4th L) poses with seven other party leaders, (L-R) People's Life Party leader Ichiro Ozawa, Party for Future Generations leader Takeo Hiranuma, Japan Innovation Party co-leader Kenji Eda, Democratic Party of Japan leader Banri Kaieda, Komeito Party leader Natsuo Yamaguchi, Japanese Communist Party Chairman Kazuo Shii and Social Democratic Party leader Tadatomo Yoshida, before their debate session ahead of the December 14 lower house election in Tokyo December 1, 2014. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS ELECTIONS) 

People's Life Party leader Ichiro Ozawa attends a debate session with other party leaders ahead of the July 21 Upper house election in Tokyo July 3, 2013. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS HEADSHOT) 

(L-R) Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima, People's Life Party leader Ichiro Ozawa, New Komeito's Party Leader Natsuo Yamaguchi, Democratic Party of Japan leader Banri Kaieda, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is also leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Japan Restoration Party co-leader Toru Hashimoto, Your Party leader Yoshimi Watanabe, Communist Party Chairman Kazuo Shii, and Green Wind party leader Kuniko Tanioka pose for photos before their debate session ahead of the July 21 Upper house election in Tokyo July 3, 2013. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Ichiro Ozawa, former Democratic Party leader who defected and now is part of the opposition Tomorrow Party, attends a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo December 12, 2012. REUTERS/Shohei Miyano (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Ichiro Ozawa, former Democratic Party leader who defected and now is part of the opposition Tomorrow Party, attends a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo December 12, 2012. REUTERS/Shohei Miyano (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

A reporter takes a video image of Ichiro Ozawa, former Democratic Party leader who defected and now is part of the opposition Tomorrow Party, speaking during a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo December 12, 2012. REUTERS/Shohei Miyano (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa smiles during a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa (3rd R) shouts slogans with other members of parliament at a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa smiles during a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa smiles during a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa speaks at a news conference during a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan launched a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa shouts slogans with other members of parliament at a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa shouts slogans with other members of parliament at a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa (C) shouts slogans with other members of parliament at a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa speaks at a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa (C) arrives at a venue to attend a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political veteran Ichiro Ozawa arrives at a venue to attend a ceremony to launch his new party in Tokyo July 11, 2012. Ozawa and dozens of other members of parliament who quit the ruling party over a tax hike plan will launch a new party on Wednesday in a bid to challenge the government, possibly heralding an era of political shakeup. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda speaks to the media at his official residence in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa and dozens of other lawmakers quit the ruling party on Monday over a plan to increase the sales tax, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. The red spot in the picture is the recording beacon of a TV camera. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (C) speaks to the media at his official residence in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa and dozens of other lawmakers quit the ruling party on Monday over a plan to increase the sales tax, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reacts as he speaks to the media at his official residence in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa and dozens of other lawmakers quit the ruling party on Monday over a plan to increase the sales tax, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa (C) attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa (6th R) attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa (C) attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa (L) attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa attends a news conference in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (C) arrives at his ruling Democratic Party of Japan board members' meeting at the parliament in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (C) arrives at his ruling Democratic Party of Japan board members' meeting at the parliament in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda arrives at his ruling Democratic Party of Japan board members' meeting at the parliament in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda arrives at his ruling Democratic Party of Japan board members' meeting at the parliament in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (5th L) arrives at his ruling Democratic Party of Japan board members' meeting at the parliament in Tokyo July 2, 2012. Japanese political heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa, one of the key figures behind the ruling party's rise to power, led dozens of lawmakers out of the party on Monday, but the government will retain its majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Indeed, the departure of Ozawa, 70, and his followers could put Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in a better position to consolidate control on his fractious party and cut deals with the opposition, whose help he needs to pass laws since they control the upper house, which can block bills. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa (2nd L) scratches his eyes as he prepares to cast a vote at the lower house plenary session at the parliament in Tokyo June 26, 2012. Ozawa said on Tuesday he would do his best to revive the party while remaining a member, nixing predictions that he would quit after voting against a bill to double the nation's sales tax. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa (C) casts a vote at the lower house plenary session at the parliament in Tokyo June 26, 2012. Ozawa said on Tuesday he would do his best to revive the party while remaining a member, nixing predictions that he would quit after voting against a bill to double the nation's sales tax. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa (2nd L) arrives at the lower house plenary session at the parliament in Tokyo June 26, 2012. Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda looks certain to win parliament's approval for his signature tax hike plan on Tuesday but risks deepening a rift in his party that, in an extreme case, could cost him his majority and lead to an early election. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa attends a lower house plenary session at the parliament in Tokyo June 26, 2012. Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda looks certain to win parliament's approval for his signature tax hike plan on Tuesday but risks deepening a rift in his party that, in an extreme case, could cost him his majority and lead to an early election. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Supporters of Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa holding his portraits shout "banzai" or cheers to a car carrying Ozawa (not in picture) as Ozawa leaves the Tokyo District Court April 26, 2012. A Japanese court on Thursday acquitted ruling party heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa of charges of violating fund-raising law, further complicating Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's task of preserving party unity and pushing through his contentious tax hike plan. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

A supporter of Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa raises a poster with his image outside the Tokyo District Court in Tokyo April 26, 2012. A Japanese court on Thursday acquitted ruling party heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa of charges of violating fund-raising law, further complicating Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's task of preserving party unity and pushing through his contentious tax hike plan. The red words read "Putting People's Lives First". REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

Supporters of Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa holding his portraits shout "banzai" or cheers to a car carrying Ozawa (not in picture) as Ozawa leaves the Tokyo District Court April 26, 2012. A Japanese court on Thursday acquitted ruling party heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa of charges of violating fund-raising law, further complicating Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's task of preserving party unity and pushing through his contentious tax hike plan. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa speaks during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa listens to a reporter's question during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa attends an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa speaks during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. The poster reads, "The citizens' livelihood is the top priority". Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa speaks during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS PROFILE) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa speaks during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa reacts during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS PROFILE HEADSHOT) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa speaks during an interview with Reuters in Tokyo March 14, 2012. Japanese ruling party heavyweight Ozawa threatened to vote against sales tax hike bills to fund bulging social security costs, the latest sign of trouble for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's battle to fix the nation's tattered finances. Ozawa, 69, a former Democratic Party of Japan leader, told Reuters in an interview that he still hoped Noda would reconsider his plan to enact bills to double the 5 percent sales tax in two stages by October 2015. Picture taken March 14, 2012. To match Exclusive Interview JAPAN-POLITICS/OZAWA REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS PROFILE) 

Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa walks to cast a ballot at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo August 30, 2011. Japan Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda is to be voted in on Tuesday as the country's sixth prime minister in five years amid doubts he can unite his fractious ruling party while tackling myriad economic ills and a nuclear crisis. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda arrives (C) at a general meeting of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Naoto Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's former foreign minister Seiji Maehara (C) smiles as he arrives at a general meeting of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Naoto Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan attends a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan attends a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan attends a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan leaves from the podium at a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan bows to lawmakers at a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan (C) bows to lawmakers at a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan bows at a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan bows at a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan leaves from the podium at a general meeting of his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers at the parliament building in Tokyo August 26, 2011. The race to pick Japan's sixth leader in five years was up in the air on Friday after media said ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was unlikely to back former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, a security hawk who is popular with voters. Prime Minister Kan, under fire for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered, confirmed his intention to step down, Kyodo news agency reported, clearing the way for the DPJ to pick a new leader. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS)