Prime Minister Taro Aso and Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama held their first one-on-one battle Wednesday since the Lower House was dissolved last month, and the two attempted to attack each other over which party was suitable to lead.

But the open debate, hosted by the nonprofit National Congress for 21st Century Japan, lacked heat as both Aso and Hatoyama reiterated their policies and respective criticisms.

Aso stressed that the biggest difference between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the DPJ was that his party was consistent and responsible.