The Upper House of Japan's Parliament elected a Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker as its president Aug. 7, the first time an opposition member has held the post.

Satsuki Eda, president of the Upper House KYODO PHOTO

The Upper House chose Satsuki Eda in a unanimous vote at the start of a special session following the crushing defeat of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's governing party in the July 29 election.

Eda, a former Science and Technology Agency chief, has served three terms in the Upper House and four terms in the Lower House.

"The makeup of the Upper House has drastically changed after the Upper House election and we are facing a political situation we have never faced before," Eda told the parliamentary session.

"I think voters' expectations for the Upper House are now extremely high."

Abe's Liberal Democratic Party suffered one of its worst setbacks in 50 years of political domination in last month's elections.

The DPJ advanced to dominate the 242-seat Upper House for the first time with 113 seats, according to the latest figures.

Despite sagging popularity and calls for his departure, Abe has refused to step down.

The beleaguered prime minister plans to reshuffle his Cabinet. He has not announced exactly when but has indicated it will take place after he returns from an Aug. 19 to 25 three-nation overseas trip.

Japanese media said the reshuffle may take place Aug. 27.

The Upper House also elected Akiko Santo, a member of Abe's ruling party, as vice president.