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The article presents information on the politics and economy of Japan, as of March 20, 2010. It focuses on the brand scandal involving Toyota automobiles with uncontrollable acceleration, and ties this to a larger pattern of Japanese decline beginning in the late 1980s. The question of whether the Japanese government will be able to improve the nation's situation is addressed.

The article focuses on the political change happening in Japan as a result of the Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ's) victory over the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the summer of 2009. The DPJ, led by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, has promised to lessen the power of the bureaucrats. Particular attention is given to Japan's attempt to model its system of government after Britain's system of government.

The article focuses on Japan's prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, expected to address the United Nations on making the world free of nuclear weapons. Hatoyama is described as a centrist leader in the model of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. His belief in fraternal love or yuai is said to form the underpinnings of his foreign policy.

The article discusses Shinzo Abe, the nationalist prime minister of Japan. He improved international relations with China and South Korea, yet is facing criticism on his domestic policy. The public has faulted Abe for weak leadership and a failure to stay on message. The author states that Abe's tenure has been complicated by his "conservative idealism." His popularity has fallen sharply in the polls.

The author looks at how immigrants are changing social, political and economic conditions in Japan. It is suggested that there is a disconnect in Japan about what the country is becoming and what most Japanese want it to be. According to the author, many Japanese still cling to the notion that Japanese society is a unique, homogenous culture. Details related to the increase of foreign people in Japan are reviewed.

The article looks at how Japan has become enveloped in a deepening diplomatic isolation in recent years. The author suggests that Japan's wartime past has never mattered so much, despite the fact that it has been sixty years since the end of World War II. It is inferred that the animosity felt in Asia and the rest of the world toward Japan's military history and past military actions was dismissed during the country's years as an economic powerhouse but that this animosity is now beginning to threaten continued economic growth. Japan's influence in Asia is being increasingly threatened by China. Japan's failed bid to earn a seat on the United Nations Security Council is discussed. Japan has publicly refuted foreign sensitivities to its past military actions.

Offers a look at political conditions in Japan under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Report that Koizumi was forced to call a snap election when the privatization of Japan Post failed to materialize; Claim of experts that the restructuring of Japan Post would help revitalize the country's economy; Possibility that Koizumi's pro-reform LDP will win the election; Competition the LDP faces from the Democratic Party of Japan, led by Katsuya Okada; Report that Koizumi has forced LDP members who voted against the privatization of Japan Post to campaign as independents.

Reports on the popularity of Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi. Reasons why Koizumi stands head and shoulders above his political rivals; Success of Koizumi's economic reform policies; Discussion of Koizumi's presidential style of leadership; Details of Japan's recent economic recovery; Speculation about whether Koizumi will lose his job due to a pension scandal that has brought down several members of government; Discussion of how the forced resignation of Naoto Kan, head of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, could effect Koizumi; Discussion of the challenges Koizumi must face, including a slowdown in economic growth, the controversy surrounding his trips to North Korea, and the need to defend his decision to send troops to Iraq.

The article discusses the role of Japan's newly appointed Land, Infrastructure and Transport minister, 46-year-old Nobuteru Ishihara. Haruho Fujii, the president of Japan Highway Public Corp., has been accused by a whistle-blower of trying to derail the planned privatization of the highway corporation by inflating its net worth a staggering $50 billion, lying to Parliament and purging reformers who opposed his leadership. Those charges, first leveled in July, have so far failed to bring down Fujii, who denies conspiring to block reform and says the internal audit that showed the corporation to be insolvent was "unofficial." Ishihara is searching for a successor to Fujii, who is expected to fall within weeks. Fresh from a triumph over hard-liners in his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is intensifying his campaign to remake Japan. Last week he appointed a young, independent-minded and telegenic new cabinet--a cadre of leaders with the skills to be more than figureheads.

Reports on politics in Japan, in light of the announced retirement of Liberal Democratic Party leader, Hiromu Nonak, after a power struggle with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. His exit may prove to be a seminal event in Japanese politics--and a huge opportunity for Koizumi. When he took power two and half years ago, Koizumi pledged to "smash the LDP" (his own party) if it ever stood in the way of his efforts to end the corrupt patronage system that's responsible for Japan's long economic decline. By wooing key members away from the faction controlled by Nonaka, one of the last of the party's old guard, the prime minister has effectively made good on his vow. Koizumi embarrassed Nonaka by persuading conservatives once loyal to him to support his reelection campaign. He's now all but certain to retain the LDP presidency in a Sept. 20 election--and after that, easily win the next general election that must be held before June (but is likely to occur much sooner). After his LDP coronation, Koizumi is expected to reshuffle his cabinet (expelling opponents; adding allies) and dissolve the Diet's powerful Lower House, perhaps as early as next month. With Japan's economy rebounding and his personal approval rating on the rise, he is poised to become Japan's most powerful prime minister since Yasuhiro Nakasone, who ruled Japan in the mid-1980s.

Examines the issue of whether Japan will continue to be an economic superpower. Prediction by some that Japan's economy will soon look like that of Austria or Switzerland; Fall in the support of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi; Characterization of the economy as locked in stagnant prosperity; Popularity of Tokyo's xenophobic governor Shintaro Ishihara; Failure of multinational corporations to succeed as deflation has weakened them; Need for Japan to generate more income for its aging population; Outlook.

Reports on the political sphere in Japan as of November 27, 2000. Efforts of Koichi Kato to overthrow the unpopular prime minister Yoshiro Mori; How Kato has offended members of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP); Problems within the LDP and actions the party could take against Kato.

Reports on the political arena in Japan as of April 17, 2000. Illness of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and choice of successor Yoshiro Mori; Need for major reforms in Japan by which to facilitate a move into the global economy; Alienation that Japanese feel by the closed political system. INSETS: A Web of Uncensored Debate, by Kai Ito;'Life Is Like a Rugby Ball,' by Hideko Takayama.

The article presents the author's thoughts regarding the quality of leaders in Japan. The February 2009 resignation of Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa is mentioned, noting that he appeared drunk while in attendance at a G7 conference in Rome, Italy. The weak leadership of Prime Minister Taro Aso and others in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is also discussed.

The article discusses the difficulties faced by Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe in his first six months in office. Abe has been helped by attempts to mend Japan's relationship with China. Abe has been criticized for his denial of Japanese atrocities committed against China during the Sino-Japanese War. Abe is pushing for a Japanese foreign policy based on democratic values.

Reports on the results of a general election in Japan in which the Liberal Democratic Party was extremely successful. Discussion of LDP leader Junichiro Koizumi's campaign promises; Comparison of Koizumi's promises of small government to those of U.S. President George W. Bush; Comments from Koichi Kato, member of the Japanese Parliament, on the reaction of young people to Koizumi's call for reform.

Focuses on Japan's forthcoming parliamentary elections. Review of how Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has defined the September 11, 2005 election as a grandiose revenge drama and a battle of good versus evil; Political history of Koizumi; Overview of Koizumi's plan to deliver comprehensive government reforms and transform his own Liberal Democratic Party; Discussion of how Koizumi's plan has proved popular among voters.

The author reports on the efforts of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to reform his Liberal Democratic Party and change Japan. The LDP faithful have rallied around a leader who is committed not to protecting the status quo but to changing the way Japan operates. Barring an upset, their efforts should return the party that has ruled Japan virtually since World War II to power yet again. That is not to say Koizumi's path to victory will be routine. In recent weeks he has forced dozens of elderly party men, most his foes, to retire from Parliament. In their stead the LDP has stacked its ticket with a cadre of relatively young unknowns dubbed "Koizumi's children." The prime minister's legacy now rides on their success at the ballot box. Putting them in office will be no easy feat. By the late 1990s, in fact, the LDP's support had fallen so much that it was forced into a three-way coalition to retain its grip on power. To reverse that slide, Koizumi's allies have retooled a vote-gathering machine that was built to run on pork. Instead of handouts, LDP hopefuls now trade on the public image of leading cabinet ministers and their ideas for changing Japan. One measure of the times is weightier party platforms. Another is the proliferation of partisan think tanks churning out economic fix-it schemes. To an unprecedented degree in Japan, media coverage has focused squarely on policy--a trend the electorate evidently welcomes. The opposition has staked its future on a younger ticket, too. But unlike the ruling party, the DPJ is fielding candidates of the sort not traditionally drawn into politics.

Focuses on Junichiro Koizumi, prime minister of Japan. How his views, such as postal privatization, set him apart in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP); Need for the LDP to win upper-house elections in order to keep Koizumi in office; Opinion that he must convince Japanese voters that he has a plan to rejuvenate their economy in order to keep support.

The article discusses Japanese politician Ichiro Ozawa. In 2010 he is challenging incumbent Naoto Kan to become Prime Minister of Japan. Ozawa has been influential in Japanese politics for 20 years. A book he wrote in 1993, "Blueprint for a New Japan," called for several reforms including an end to unnecessary government spending and greater accountability for elected officials.

An article is presented that discusses Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan and how he will affect Japan's politics following his 2010 election. The article discusses Kan's background in the Democratic Party of Japan (DJP), noting that he is a self-made politician but that he might not be the risk-taker that the country needs. Information is provided on his views towards the Japanese ruling class, his opportunism, and his political philosophy.

The article discusses the transition of power from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in Japan. Details are provided about the role of politician Ichiro Ozawa in the the DPJ and the bribery scandal facing Ozawa. The political history of Japan is examined and the relationship between Japan and the U.S. is explored.

The author comments on Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who was appointed in September 2007 as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party. The author claims that Fukuda seems to be bereft of ideas, has made no attempts at reform, and has not appointed a central banker. The article discusses his predecessors Shinzo Abe and the popular Junichiro Koizumi, and their scandals. Fukuda is described as a waffler who may not last long and his demise may trigger a realignment in Japanese politics.

The article describes the current political culture in Japan, and states that both political parties seem to be unfocused, which is alienating voters. The article states that the Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, may be forced to step down if the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) party loses seats in an Upper House parliamentary election. The article describes the reasons for the public disillusionment in politics in Japan.

The article reports that Japanese politicians are turning Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni war memorial against him. The memorial recognizes the Japanese war dead of World War II, including 14 war criminals, executed by Allied forces for actions against China and South Korea. Members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who do not support Koizumi or his apparent successor Shinzo Abe, hope to play on fears that Japan is taking a combative stance towards its neighbors.

The article looks at how Japan's diplomatic relations with China are effecting its status as a leading power in Asia. When Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Wu Yi arrived in Tokyo, the visit was billed as part of a new move toward reconciliation after feuding between Asia's two biggest economies. It did work out as the optimists had hoped. Shortly before a scheduled meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Wu suddenly announced that she was heading back to Beijing--an unprecedented affront. Japan's status in Asia is being challenged like never before by China's ascendance. Not that long ago it seemed that Tokyo could ensure its influence in the region by doling out generous helpings of foreign aid to Asian economies. But now Japan's political class finds itself confronting a shrewd and skillful rival for regional leadership. As China rapidly expands and modernizes its military, Japan has been quietly refurbishing its own armed forces.

Profiles Heizo Takenaka, an economic reformer in Japan. Possibility that Takenaka will be elected prime minister following the resignation of Junichiro Koizumi in 2006; Discussion of the economic activity within Japan; Role of Takenaka in the privatization of Japan Post, the postal system; Popularity of Takenaka in the country's Liberal Democratic Party.

Examines problems in Japan's beef market. Drop in beef consumption due to reports of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); How many of Japan's butcher shops may be mislabeling imported meat as Japanese in order to raise prices; Dilemma of Japanese consumers; How the Japanese government failed to prepare for BSE risks and lost credibility; The public-awareness campaign to promote U.S. beef in Japan; Outlook.

Focuses on Japanese foreign minister Makiko Tanaka, who represents Japan's first female foreign minister. Struggle between Tanaka and career Foreign Ministry bureaucrats; Attempts she has made to reform a corrupt ministry; Accusation that she is prone to temper tantrums; Relationship between Tanaka and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, both of whom stand out from the mainstream of the Liberal Democratic Party; Pressures facing Koizumi to fire Tanaka; View that Tanaka is arguably Japan's most popular politician.

Reports on the proposed reforms of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. His popularity with Japanese who are tired of economic stagnation; Political agenda; Skepticism of experts and concerns that he will have trouble pushing reforms through.

Discusses whether Junichiro Koizumi, prime minister of Japan, will bring economic reform to Japan. His membership in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP); How the Japanese public is aware of the need for reform; Question of whether Koizumi has the understanding and character to bring about reform; Suggestion that the LDP will not support reform.

Presents an interview with Koichi Kato, a Liberal Democratic Party member in Japan who wants to overthrow the prime minister. Reasons why he wants to get prime minister Yoshiro Mori out of office; Hopes of Kato to become prime minister to change the country; Discussion of Japan's biggest economic challenge, including a drop in consumer spending.

Looks at insurance fraud in Japan. The amount of premiums collected by licensed insurance companies in 1997, and the number of fraud cases reported; The impact of the Japanese government opening the insurance industry to foreign firms; Three examples of insurance fraud, including the case of housewife Masumi Hayashi who allegedly slipped arsenic into pots of curry being served at a local festival; Why Japan's insurance companies are easily defrauded. INSET: Costly Claims.

The article discusses the economic and political condition of Japan after the entry of its new prime minister Yoshihiko Noda and the natural disasters that happened in 2011. Noda is the former finance minister who came in after two past prime ministers were kicked out of office due to scandal and incompetence. Though some don't see him as a strong and bold enough leader, the article states that he is a competent technocrat who just might be able to speed up Japan's recovery and unify his party.

The author examines the long-term economic, political and psychological impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. He notes the capacity for endurance by the Japanese and the spiritual sense of stoicism by the country. He discusses analogous examples in Japan and other countries to provide a framework about what may matter most in the future, including the economy as being the least important factor to worry about.

The article reports on the battle between Prime Minister Naoto Kan and former Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) chief Ichiro Ozawa for party leadership on September 14, 2010. According to the author, the ruling vision of DPJ will depend on Kan's image of clean politics and bottom-up decision making or Ozawa's principles and top-down leadership. He adds that both Kan and Ozawa are criticizing each other in a bid to win the election. He also mentions that Kan has an edge over Ozawa with 80 percent of Japanese who favor Kan.

The author offers opinions on Prime Minister Naoto Kan of Japan. Kan's economic and commercial policies and those of his Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) are criticized for creating a source of conflict between Japan and the U.S. by attempting to use a trade surplus to increase Japan's slow rate of economic development.

The article discusses the election of Naoto Kan of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) following the resignations of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and secretary-general Ichiro Ozawa. Topics include how Kan's election impacts the DPJ's chances of winning a majority in upper-house elections in July 2010 and the economic problems facing Kan, including a large national debt.

An article is presented that discusses Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his work with the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The article discusses Kan's 2010 election following the resignation of Yukio Hatoyama, noting increased public support for the DPJ. Information is also provided on Kan's credentials, his secretary-general Yukio Edano, and the establishment of his political cabinet.

An article is presented that discusses the economy in Japan following the 2010 election of Prime Minister Naoto Kan. Kan, formerly the finance minister, is facing problems with debt, welfare, taxes, and retirement. The article also discusses budget deficits, economic recoveries, deflation, and government expenditures.

The article presents quotes from German President Horst Köhler regarding Germany's military presence in Afghanistan, Turkey's prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan responding to Israel's attack on a boat carrying aid activists, and Japan's prime minister Naoto Kan on political rival Ichiro Ozawa.

The article discusses the sagging fortunes of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki has shown little interest in reforming the party and ending factionalism within it. The most popular politician in Japan, Yoichi Masuzo, has quit the LDP to form his own party. In the author's view the LDP could fade into irrelevance.

The article focuses on the administration of former Japanese Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and how it is similar to Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The author presents a Japanese political forecast for 2010 and discusses deregulation in Japan, and economic forecasting.

The author focuses on an increased role for Japan in global affairs now that the Democratic Party of Japan has come to power with Ichiro Ozawa as Secretary-General and Yukio Hatoyama as Prime Minister. The author mentions that many Americans worry that Japan will now turn away from the U.S., but the author suggests Japan wants, instead, to be on an equal footing with the U.S.

In this article the author comments on Yukio Hatoyama, the prime minister of Japan, and his Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which won the 2009 general election against the Liberal Democratic Party. The central focus of the article is discussion of Hatoyama's leadership, examined in light of the fact that neither he nor the DPJ has held power before.

The article discusses politics and government in Japan. The opposition Democratic Party of Japan is forecast to score a victory in national elections to be held August 30, 2009. The party's reliance on relatively inexperienced political candidates is examined. It is noted that former party leader Ichiro Ozawa has founded three other political parties, all of which have failed.

This article discusses the political position of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which is the leading opposition party in that country's Parliament. Although the DPJ under Yukio Hatoyama is likely to win 2009 parliamentary elections, the author is skeptical about their ability to bring political change to Japan. The similarities between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the DPJ policies on corruption, budget cuts, and foreign policy are considered.

The article discusses how the worldwide economic crisis may result in a loss of power by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan. The author discusses the success of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in parliamentary elections, which has resulted in a government deadlock between the Japanese Parliament's two houses regarding economic matters. He notes the low public opinion of LDP leaders such as Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

This article reports on Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa. Fukuda's approval rating is 21 percent, the second lowest of any Japanese prime minister, and 63 percent of citizens support neither him nor Ozawa. The article also discusses the Democrat Party's 2008 parliamentary election victory, as well as scandals, bipartisan alliances, and general elections.

This article focuses on the resignation and sudden return to leadership of Ichiro Ozawa, boss of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), in 2007. Attention is given to the Japanese parliamentary elections, Ozawa's interaction with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and a brief explanation of the circumstances surrounding Ozawa's resignation. Also discussed is the DPJ's future election against LDP Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.