For the second year in a row, Aso Taro is the early frontrunner to seize the LDP leadership.As noted yesterday, whether he wins this year will depend on his gaining an additional 68 votes over his 2007 total. One way to do that will be to build significantly on the 65 of 141 prefectural chapter …
Tag: Fukuda resignation
The final word on Fukuda
The word in the Japanese media is that Fukuda Yasuo's resignation came as a complete surprise, reportedly made even without consulting with his wife.The LDP was blindsided. The public, it seems, is angry over Mr. Fukuda's "irresponsibility." The DPJ has already called for a general election.I was not among those who wrote Mr. Fukuda off …
Media availability
I am available to comment on the implications of Fukuda Yasuo's resignation.Please direct your questions to observingjapan@gmail.com.
Aso Taro’s poisoned chalice
With Fukuda Yasuo's resignation, there is little question that the frontrunner to replace him (perhaps the only candidate to replace him) is Aso Taro.Mr. Aso may regret it.Taking the helm with the LDP in even greater shambles than it was when he ran against Mr. Fukuda in September 2007 to succeed Abe Shinzo, a Prime …
Fukuda resigns
The autumn extraordinary session of the Diet has been looking quite similar to the 2007 extraordinary session of the Diet.We can discuss whether history rhymes or repeats, but one thing is clear:Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo has resigned, less than one year into his tenure as prime minister.The questions on the table are obvious. Will public …
Tobias S. Harris 