The first ordinary Diet session under a Democratic Party of Japan-led government wrapped up Wednesday, kicking off a campaign season that will culminate with an Upper House election next month.
The turbulent 150-day session, during which Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama suddenly stepped down and was succeeded by Naoto Kan, ended with numerous government-sponsored bills left unpassed as the DPJ rushed to set July 11 for the election day.
On the final day, opposition parties threw a no-confidence motion at the ruling bloc led by Kan, saying the administration under the new DPJ president was ending the session at this time only to benefit itself in the election.