Thanks to Aurelia for raising this point about whether Noda has violated the
2009 DPJ Manifesto by enacting a law that eventually raises the consumption tax.
I have to admit that I have not taken a close look at how the Manifesto's wording can be parsed, but I think one can argue that Noda did not violate this pledge since he has not raised the consumption tax before July
2013 (obviously the tax rise will not occur until 2014 and 2015).

Paul Midford