Tokyo - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is more popular than the opposition despite the resignation of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, a telephone survey showed Wednesday.

According to the country-wide poll conducted by the Kyodo news agency, 38.5 per cent planned to vote for the LDP in the next election. The Democratic Party of Japan (DJP), the country's largest opposition party, would receive 34.9 per cent popular support.

Japan's voters regard LDP Secretary General Taro Aso the most suitable successor for outgoing premier Fukuda. The
67-year-old conservative party veteran and former foreign minister enjoys 35.3 per cent support.

Hawkish Aso, who intends to officially announce his candidature for the September 22 election of the LDP party president - and de-facto prime minister - on Monday, has the best chances to succeed Fukuda.

Fukuda's surprise resignation triggered rumours of early elections to Japan's lower house, where a coalition of the LDP and the New Komeito party holds a comfortable majority.

Kyodo's poll was conducted after Fukuda announced his resignation on Monday. (dpa)