Greetings again from the Japan Considered Project Studio. Following a massive computer crash. Of my own making, by the way! A crash that wiped out a 320-gig hard drive. And worse, the latest backup of that drive. Fortunately, an earlier backup survived. So only data from early July onward was lost. But that was enough to slow things down! Oh well ....

Puzzling news on Japan's domestic political situation continues to flow from Tokyo. So, to better understand the current situation, and hopefully, to avoid more surprises in the future, I've asked Professor Daniel Metraux of Mary Baldwin College in Virginia to join us this week. To explain the current ruling coalition from the perspective of New Komeito. Daniel has been researching the Komeito and Soka Gakkai for decades. And knows what he's talking about.

As always, continue to send your comments and suggestions for the program directly to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all and take each one into consideration when preparing new programs.

August 8 , 2008; Volume 04, Number 24

Click here for a transcript of today's program

Thanks for dropping by today. Good to be back behind the microphone after a 23-day RV camping and kayaking trip. Have a look at some photos from the various campgrounds and surrounding mountains on the Mobile Studio Travels page.

This week we have a special treat. Dr. Edward Lincoln of NYU's Stern School joins us via the SkypePhone to discuss the economic significance of Prime Minister Fukuda's August 1 cabinet reshuffle. Ed's comments were so interesting that I included the full interview, rather than the usual out-takes. I think you'll agree that it's well worth the time today.

Thanks to all of you who wrote e-mails asking about the next program. Glad to know you're interested. And continue to send your comments and suggestions directly to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I enjoy reading them.

Next week we'll return to a more normal schedule, with focus on the significance of recent developments in Japan's relations with Mainland China and Korea.