TOKYO: Unhappiness is brewing within Japan's ruling party over the leadership of Prime Minister Taro Aso.

Recent verbal gaffes by the Premier, including his inability to pronounce certain Japanese words, have raised questions about whether he is fit for the country's top job.

To the relief of his aides, Mr Aso yesterday came through a one-on-one debate in Parliament against opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa without committing any bloopers.

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