Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, at a new year news conference Jan. 4, expressed his determination to push a two-stage raise of the consumption tax as well as to reform the social welfare system, and called for the opposition forces to join consultations with his Democratic Party of Japan over the issue. He pointed out that no administration can put off tackling this issue — a package of the consumption tax raise and social welfare system reform — which he called a "just cause."

But the opposition forces (except two minor parties) said that they will not take part in the consultations. They will increase their pressure on Mr. Noda to dissolve the Lower House and call a snap election since the current term of Lower House members expires in slightly more than 1½ years and since they think that the tax raise plan will work to the DPJ's disadvantage in the snap election.

It would be a miscalculation if the prime minister thinks that he will get people's support if he repeatedly insists that raising the consumption tax to reform the social welfare system is a moral obligation for future generations.