September 21, 2007. Volume 03; Number 34

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Thanks for dropping by again. This week coming to you from the Mobile Studio camped on the shore of Lake Thurmond.

Our program is a bit longer. But we've got a lot to consider! We take a careful look at the "campaign" for the LDP presidency waged all week by Yasuo Fukuda and Taro Aso. What's happening, and the significance of this important event for Japan's domestic politics overall.

Then we consider the "scandal scandal" that I've been discussing for the past few week. And the importance of genuine political reform for the credibility of Japan's electoral politics.

September 14, 2007. Volume 03; Number 33

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Thanks for dropping by again this week. Last week I said we'd continue to consider the significance of the cabinet reshuffle on Japan's politics unless we had any surprising developments. Well, we had one.

On Wednesday at 2PM, Tokyo time, Prime Minister Abe held a press conference and announced his decision to resign. Tokyo's political world has been wild since.

So, this week, we consider the causes of that surprise announcement, its significance for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

As of today, former Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yasuo Fukuda, seems Abe's likely successor. A successor selected by the LDP's faction leaders, in the traditional Factionist pattern. What will this mean for Japan's domestic politics, economic policy, and conduct of international relations?

All considered this week. With more to come next week.

September 7, 2007. Volume 03. Number 32

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Thanks for dropping by. As we continue our consideration of post-Upper House election domestic politics in Japan.

This week our focus is on an effort to address the question: "Why is Shinzo Abe still Japan's prime minister?" It's a reasonable question, I think, given the difficulty he has had with public approval of his cabinet. And the disastrous results of the July 29th Upper House election. I don't have a definitive answer. But do have several alternative explanations.

As always, continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. And click on over to the Japan Considered Project website at www.JapanConsidered.com. It's slowly beginning to take shape.

August 31, 2007. Volume 03, Number 31

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Welcome again to the Japan Considered Podcast. This week our focus is on the reshuffle of the Abe Cabinet. and the significance of that reshuffle for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

I've been able to persuade three specialists in the field to join us today as commentators. First Mr. Gregg Rubinstein gives his thoughts on the significance of all this for the Ministry of Defense, and its conduct of its mission.

Then Dr. Edward Lincoln provides his thoughts on the economic appointments -- both domestic and international.

And Dr. Dennis Yasutomo discusses the implications of the reshuffle for Japan's conduct of foreign relations, in broader perspective.

I'd planned to add my own commentary on the effect of the reshuffle on Japan's domestic politics. But the contributions of our guest commentators went a bit longer than expected. All good material, so I didn't feel comfortable cutting it. You'll hear from me next week.

Keep in mind, this just happened. So these are only preliminary thoughts on the subject. We may well see dramatic changes in the near future.