The Democratic Party of Japan took power last year, but it seems to be drifting on the high seas without a chart. Kan Naoto, who became prime minister this June, has already lost his resolve. The DPJ needs to learn some lessons from the old Liberal Democratic Party.
No. 2 August–September 2010
With Japan on its sixth prime minister in four years, some observers are questioning if a two-party system can work here. The following roundtable discussion explores the forces behind this rapid turnover and uncovers some alarming similarities to the circumstances leading up to the demise of party government in prewar Japan.
No. 2 August–September 2010
A key accomplishment of Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio was setting the policy wheels in motion toward the eventual creation of an East Asian community. What specific concepts and proposals have been brought forward to guide Japan as it seeks to build new frameworks for the region, and what forms of international cooperation will be needed?
No.1 June-July 2010
The September 2009 change of government was a momentous event in Japan’s political history. But the new DPJ administration has failed to live up to the great expectations people placed in it. Why has it not been able to fulfill its original goals? How can it do better?
No. 1 June–July 2010
Just 10 months after its historic rise to power, the Democratic Party of Japan was dealt a serious setback in the recent upper house election. Takenaka Harukata discusses the election results and their implications for the party, the government, and the nation.
No. 1 June–July 2010
On June 8, Kan Naoto assumed the office of prime minister and appointed a cabinet, becoming Japan’s sixth head of government in five years. What are some of the reasons for this extraordinary rate of turnover? What sort of background and qualifications does Kan have? And what challenges confront him?
No. 1 June–July 2010
The House of Councillors has been alternately derided as a rubber stamp and attacked for hamstringing the legislative process. Political scientist Takenaka Harukata explains and defends the chamber’s role, while advocating electoral reforms to preserve and enhance its unique contribution.
No. 1 June–July 2010
I took part in a symposium held in Sendai on October 31, 2011. Sponsored by the Japan Center for Economic Research, it was called “Envisaging Specific Visions for the Reconstruction of the Tohoku Region.” Murai Yoshihiro, governor of Miyagi Prefecture, delivered a keynote speech in the symposium, discussing his view on the reconstruction. The symposium got me thinking about reconstruction from the devastation left in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
