Koichi Kato, the former Liberal Democratic Party secretary general, said Saturday that the current three-way ruling coalition should be maintained until the next general election for the House of Representatives, regardless of the outcome of next summer's House of Councilors election.
The comment marks a change in Kato's stance on the coalition with the New Komeito party. He has long been considered critical of the alliance with New Komeito, which is backed by the nation's largest lay Buddhist organization, Soka Gakkai.
"Since the House of Representatives constitutionally prevails (over the Upper House) in terms of the framework of government and appointing the prime minister, it is reasonable for the coalition government to continue between the two Lower House elections," Kato told reporters accompanying his Middle East tour.
Kato added it is only natural for the LDP to form a coalition since the party lacks a majority in the Lower House.
The LDP is counting on its two coalition partners -- New Komeito and the New Conservative Party -- to remain in power.
However, commenting on next year's Upper House election, Kato expressed opposition toward election cooperation between the LDP and New Komeito.
"Each party should fight independently in the election because such cooperation entails difficulties such as tearing down walls between parties," he said.
Kato is currently on a 10-day trip to the Middle East to discuss the stalled peace process with leaders in the region.