The Democratic Party of Japan, the nation¡¯s biggest opposition party, will merge with Ishin no To (Japan Innovation Party) in a bold institutional shake-up aimed at preparing for the key Upper House election in summer.

The move will hopefully spruce up the DPJ¡¯s battered public image, party officials said Tuesday.

The merger, which is slated to take place by the end of March, will create a party with 93 members in the 475-seat Lower House and 59 members of the 242-seat Upper House.