TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda decided Monday to tap nuclear minister Goshi Hosono as the ruling party's policy chief, local media said.

The appointment of Hosono, 41, is aimed at regaining shattered public support for the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which is considered likely to be defeated by the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the next general election to be held within a year after seizing power from the LDP in 2009, Kyodo reported.

Incumbent DPJ Policy Chief Seiji Maehara is expected to be appointed as a minister in a Cabinet reshuffle that may take place early next month.

DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi said Sunday that he had agreed to stay in the ruling party's No 2 post as requested by Noda.