Ozawa's resignation as DPJ head shocks local supporters+

MORIOKA, Japan, May 11 Kyodo -
Ichiro Ozawa's resignation as leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of
Japan on Monday has shocked supporters in his constituency in Iwate Prefecture,
where the party president built his foundation as a candidate for future prime
minister.
''I think Mr. Ozawa wants to put everything in the hands of his successor and
is hoping for a change of government,'' said Ichiro Chikura, a 66-year-old
restaurant owner who went to the same elementary and junior high school as
Ozawa in the city of Oshu in Iwate Prefecture. ''I continue to put faith in him
and support him,'' Chikura said.
Sachiko Oikawa, an Iwate prefectural assembly member, said she is disappointed
with Ozawa's decision at a time when the DPJ has a chance to seize power from
the Liberal Democratic Party in a general election that must be held by this
fall.
''I wanted him to stay as DPJ leader until the next House of Representatives
election, but our determination to change the government remains unchanged,''
said Oikawa, a member of the DPJ's local caucus.
Some local constituents criticized Ozawa's resignation over a fundraising
scandal that led to the arrest and subsequent indictment of his top secretary.
''He should have resigned when the scandal over donations from Nishimatsu
Construction Co. came to light (in early March). I want him to start afresh
now,'' said a 72-year-old woman who runs a Japanese-style inn in the city of
Oshu.
Ozawa's secretary, Takanori Okubo, 47, was arrested March 3 and indicted March
24 for illegally receiving money from Nishimatsu Construction in violation of
the political funds control law. But Ozawa stayed on as party leader despite
criticism.
==Kyodo