The latest poll by the local agency Kyodo News shows that more than 50 % of those surveyed disapproved of Noda 's performance . Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda appoints Katsuya Okada , a former party leader , as his deputy . Okada is expected to lead efforts to push through an unpopular increase in the sales tax . Noda also names new defense and consumer affairs ministers after opposition pressure . - May 12 :
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda appoints Katsuya Okada , a former party leader , as his deputy . Okada is expected to lead efforts to push through an unpopular increase in the sales tax . Noda also names new defense and consumer affairs ministers after opposition pressure . - May 12 :