TOKYO (AP) - Japanese flocked to a large gymnasium in central Tokyo in recent weeks to see what for them was an unusual sight: senior bureaucrats being grilled over their budget requests for next year.

"Why is it just the Defense Ministry that is asking for a staff increase?" asked a particularly combative lawmaker, Renho, who goes by only one name. Later she demanded, "Could you give me a more compelling explanation please?"

In a major break with the past, new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has introduced a public review of the budget. His party, which ousted the long-ruling conservatives in August, has promised to cut wasteful spending and make policymaking more transparent.

Hatoyama also wants to rein in Japan’s powerful bureaucrats, who exerted tremendous influence over policy under the conservatives, and empower the elected parliament.

TV footage showed Defense Ministry official Toru Horichi looking exhausted and deflated after the review panel, which is making recommendations to the prime minister, rejected a proposal to increase military hiring.

"I failed to convince them," he said. "I could not convey what I meant to explain, even though I see hardworking and struggling soldiers every day. I feel so sorry for them."

The proceedings, which wrapped up Friday, are an experiment with a more open - and some would say sloppy - form of democracy. Some have criticized them as too hasty or a publicity stunt, though surveys show widespread public support.