Most papers wrote that Yuichiro Tamaki, a three-term legislator from Kagawa Prefecture, expressed interest in seeking the DP presidency on Tuesday, noting that the bureaucrat-turned-politician is viewed as a rising star within the largest opposition party for his strong policy expertise and debate abilities at the Diet. The junior politician is critical of the DP leadership’s policy of deepening ties with the JCP. Former Environment Minister Hosono, who is considered to be one of leading candidates to succeed President Okada, hinted yesterday that he may decide not to run in the race so as to support other candidates.