Japan's largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Democratic Party for the People agreed to discuss how to work together on a policy-by-policy basis.

The DPFP's support could decide whether the ruling coalition can stay in power following last Sunday's Lower House election.

CDP Secretary-General Ogawa Junya and his DPFP counterpart, Shimba Kazuya, met on Friday. The Diet affairs chiefs of both parties were also present.

Ogawa said that based on the voters' mandate, which resulted in the ruling coalition's failure to secure a majority, it is important to rally opposition forces. He called on the DPFP to coordinate stances with the CDP on Diet affairs and other matters.

Shimba responded by saying his party will act by keeping an equal distance with other parties.

The two parties agreed to discuss possible coordination on a case-by-case basis, depending on the content of policies or draft legislation.

Ogawa and Shimba agreed on the need for further political and Diet reforms. They also agreed to arrange a meeting between their party leaders -- CDP President Noda Yoshihiko and DPFP President Tamaki Yuichiro -- next week.

The two also confirmed that discussions about basic policies, including security and energy, should be held by their respective policy chiefs, together with Rengo, or the Japanese Trade Union Confederation.

The CDP's Ogawa told reporters the DPFP is very wary of being seen to be in the same boat as the ruling camp. He said coordination among opposition parties is needed more than ever as the ruling bloc remains short of a majority.

The DPFP's Shimba told reporters that with the political funding scandal yet to be settled, the party will work to advance political and Diet reforms. He expressed hope that next week's meeting between the party leaders will cover a wide range of matters. He added the party will also seek to have similar meetings with the leaders of Komeito and the Japan Innovation Party.