Katsuya Okada (C Front), a former secretary general of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), arrives at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 13, 2012. Katsuya Okada was appointed as the deputy prime minister on Friday. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reshuffled his Cabinet Friday to promote discussions with the opposition parties on his proposal to raise the nation's sales tax. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda partially reshuffled his Cabinet Friday by appointing a fiscal hawk as his right-hand man to promote discussions with the opposition parties on his proposal to raise the nation's sales tax.

Katsuya Okada, a former secretary general of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), was appointed as the deputy prime minister. He is also responsible for the administrative reform and tasked with the social security and tax reform.

The 58-year-old veteran has been known for his "Mr clean" image and was dubbed "fundamentalist". The choice of Okada signaled Noda's determination to press ahead with the sales tax hike, which will double the current rate to 10 percent by October 2015 in two phases.

The ruling Democratic Party is expected to submit the bills to the parliament by March, but so far, the passage of them could be uncertain with the opposition camp, which controls the upper house, has been unwilling to talk on the issue and wants an early general election.

The choice of Okada is believed to be due largely to his rich experience in cooperation with the opposition counterparts. Such a selection is expected to make it easier for the DPJ to promote talks with the opposition parties.

The Japanese prime minister also excluded Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa and Consumer Affairs Minister Kenji Yamaoka in the reshuffle, the first one since he launched a cabinet in September last year. Both of them were censured for inappropriate comments in the upper house last year.

The replacement which came amid a minor reshuffle not only saved the face of the two ministers but also Noda's own. The move could pave the way for Okada to carry out effective talks with the opposition bloc.

However, getting the opposition parties to the discussion table for a tax hike is not enough for the ruling DPJ. It should persuade the public to accept it too.

A Kyodo News poll on Jan. 7-8 showed public support rate for Noda's Cabinet fell to 35.7 percent from 44.6 percent in December. About three quarters of the respondents said Noda's explanations for his proposed hike in sales tax were insufficient.

Friday's reshuffle boosted the chances for the passage of the tax hike but Noda is still facing a uphill battle ahead.