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Highlights news briefs from around the world for the week of December 31, 1995 to January 6, 1996. The resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and his replacement being the current Trade Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto; The resignation of Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev, who is identified with a strong pro-Western foreign policy; More world news briefs.

Focuses on Yoshiro Mori, Japan's Prime Minister after the Liberal Democratic Party chose him to replace Keizo Obuchi. How he must restore the public's faith in the government; Economic aspects; Public opinions of the new leader.

Argues that the Japanese-style democracy (a system in which individuals are assured a secure life in exchange for burying themselves in a group) is no longer able to respond adequately to the changes taking place at home and abroad. Japan's global responsibility to frame comprehensive, long-term, consistent policies; Need for Japan to strive for five freedoms. (Excerpted from `Blueprint for a New Japan.')

Announces Tsutomu Hata, three times a Cabinet minister for the Liberal Democratic Party that had ruled Japan for 37 uninterrupted years, formed a new party with 43 Diet colleagues that will contest parliamentary elections later this month. Liberal Democrats noted today for corruption; Approval rating of Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa; Actions of Hata and Ichiro Ozawa; Their backgrounds in politics; Fate of new party, Japan Renewal; Destroying interest groups; Details.

Discusses the push for reform in Japan as it heads into parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20, 1996. Criticisms being leveled at Kasumigaseki, the district in Tokyo where government bureaucrats have their offices; Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's pledges to cut the number of ministries in half if his Liberal Democrat party wins a solid mandate; The closeness of elections; The number of candidates; Background on problems Japan faces.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to previous articles including the "The Right Eye of Daruma," in the February 10, 1967 issue, "What is Art Today," in the January 27, 1967 and "Never Say Die," in the February 3, 1967 issue.

The article discusses the end of the U.S. occupation of 141 Ryukyu chain islands including Okinawa, Japan. It relates that U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew will read in May 1972, a proclamation approved by President Richard Nixon that will terminate the occupation. It states that although most Okinawans appreciate the liberation, they have had second thoughts on the future of their island. It notes that the change will impact nearly all aspects of the life in the island, particularly its economy.

The article reports on the political and economic condition of Japan ten years after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1951. According to reports, Japan has started to rise again and is seen to be getting ready for sovereignty. Members of the National Police Reserve train with the U.S. carbines, bazookas, and light machine guns. Several subsidiaries of the old Mitsubishi Commercial Co. have merged into four large companies.

The article focuses on Japan as an occupied country, its opposition to Communism and its relationship with the U.S. In January 1951, U.S. President Harry Truman appointed United Nations (U.N.) Delegate John Foster Dulles as head of a mission to conduct such further discussions and negotiations as may be necessary to bring a Japanese settlement to an eventual successful conclusion. In terms of rearmament, Bank of Japan governor Hisato Ichimada says that it is a question forced upon Japan by the international situation.

The article discusses Japan's August 30, 2009 parliamentary elections and incumbent Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members who were replaced in the lower house of parliament by members of the opposing Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The historical nature of the election outcome is discussed. Also noted is DPJ leader Yukio Hatoyama who will become Prime Minister.

Focuses on Yoshiro Mori, Japan's Prime Minister after the Liberal Democratic Party chose him to replace Keizo Obuchi. How he must restore the public's faith in the government; Economic aspects; Public opinions of the new leader.