Nobody appeared ready to take up the presidency of the Democratic Party of Japan on Tuesday as the main opposition force moved to find a replacement for departing leader Naoto Kan.
The party had planned to select a new party chief by Friday, but the process will take until early next week, party sources said. DPJ leaders said Tuesday they do not plan to hold an open election and will instead draw opinions from the ranks to find a candidate before seeking members' approval.
Kan tendered his resignation Monday to take responsibility for his failure, like many other lawmakers, including Cabinet ministers, to pay into the mandatory national pension scheme.