The Tokyo branch of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has urged health minister Yoichi Masuzoe to run in the Aug. 30 Lower House election to take advantage of his popularity with voters, but he has refused, sources said.

Masuzoe, currently an Upper House member, said "running (for a Lower House seat) is impossible."

Masuzoe was asked to run in the proportional representation segment of the Tokyo ballot, with his name on the top of the party's list of candidates, the sources said. Being ranked at the top means an almost certain Diet seat.

In the proportional representation system, votes Masuzoe would garner for the party would also help other LDP candidates win a seat.

Masuzoe has been one of most popular Cabinet members and often regarded as a potential candidate for the next LDP president.