Japan`s youth cheers pop-savvy Aso for PM

Some 61 percent of general LDP supporters back Fukuda while 27 percent prefer Aso, according to a survey published in the top-selling Yomiuri Shimbun on Monday.

After listening to both speeches, 64-year-old Takashi Asari believes Fukuda is the best candidate to fight the resurgent opposition, which took control of the upper house of parliament in July elections.

"Fukuda was more concrete in his speech and clear how he would win in the battles against the Democratic Party," Asari said.

Whoever becomes Japan`s next premier faces the task of continuing reforms and trying to extend a military mission to support the US-led operations in Afghanistan even as the opposition tries to block key legislation.

But among the elderly -- a significant force in this ageing nation -- Aso also has his supporters.

"It is very important to build a society that is stable and sustainable," said Kazuhiko Miura, 79, who wants the next prime minister to focus on issues concerning both the young and the old.