Remarks made by the late Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's doctors since his death Sunday are increasing suspicions among opposition parties concerning Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio Aoki's claim, reiterated Monday, that Obuchi asked him to step in as acting prime minister.
The Democratic Party of Japan has said it may take legal action.
Aoki has insisted that Obuchi told him during a hospital visit April 2 to "take care of things should something go wrong, given such concerns as the ongoing eruption (of Mount Usu in southern Hokkaido)," which Aoki took to be Obuchi's wish that he become acting prime minister.