The end of the beginning

On March 25, 2009 By Tobias S. HarrisIn Observing Japan Blog2 Comments

Ozawa Ichiro indicated, in a tearful press conference Tuesday evening, that he will stay on as DPJ president despite the indictment of his chief public secretary — but Ozawa’s statement may have only been the end of the beginning of the final act of Ozawa’s long career. The press conference itself was a masterpiece of …

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Tip of the iceberg

On January 19, 2008 By Tobias S. HarrisIn Observing Japan Blog6 Comments

Following Prime Minister Fukuda’s remarks Thursday at the LDP convention, Ibuki Bunmei, LDP secretary-general, has also warned darkly of the possibility of the breaking of the LDP. Speaking in Utsunomiya, Mr. Ibuki said, “If the LDP wins, the DPJ will break. If the DPJ wins, in the LDP people who cannot persevere will spill out.” …

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