Japanese elections...out with the old and familiar...

[Stainless Steel Rat]

..and with the new.

Apparently the polls were rights and the Liberal Democrats (LDP), who have been in power for almost all of the past 50 years, have been massively defeated by the Democratic Party of Japan.

Only thing I could find in the news regarding changes in policies regarding foreign affairs was this from *******:


The party wants to forge a diplomatic stance more independent of the United States and build better ties with Asia, often strained by bitter wartime memories.

So does that mean a change on, say, North Korea or perhaps more pressure on the US regarding bases and other military affairs?

I admit I don't know Japanese politics that well, but given the size and importance of this democracy in this part of the world, it is something Americans (like me) and others need to pay attention to.

IMHO as always.

[the_13th_redneck]

Man I saw this coming from a mile away.
America needs to work hard to keep its allies in the Pacific happy becuase right now they're not thrilled and if they do kick the US out, it's pretty much the end of America's presence in the Western Pacific.

[BearInBunnySuit]

It's Japan. Change is not something they do very well.

[budgie]

True Dat. I'm less than optimistic. People here have voted on party names and not platforms. They're not happy with the economy or the leadership in general, so they finally kick the LDP out as though the DPJ will effect any real change.

The problem is the party isn't particularly younger, more progressive or full of new ideas. The bureacrats, banks and the construction lobbies will continue to pull strings while the DPJ focuses on feel good measures like trying to encourage an increase in the birthrate because more children will ensure that the economic and social status quo continues. That's right, status quo.

No the Japanese don't want change, they want the good old days of the 70's and 80's and as long as the gerontocracy remains in power, regardless of party, there will be precious few new ideas or real plans to prepare for Japan's inevitably smaller, leaner future.

[gaijinsamurai]

Agreed, Budgie and BIBS.
I, for one, won't be sad to see Taro Aso go, but I think any "change" will be of little substance.

[SBL]

True Dat. I'm less than optimistic. People here have voted on party names and not platforms. They're not happy with the economy or the leadership in general, so they finally kick the LDP out as though the DPJ will effect any real change.

The problem is the party isn't particularly younger, more progressive or full of new ideas. The bureacrats, banks and the construction lobbies will continue to pull strings while the DPJ focuses on feel good measures like trying to encourage an increase in the birthrate because more children will ensure that the economic and social status quo continues. That's right, status quo.

No the Japanese don't want change, they want the good old days of the 70's and 80's and as long as the gerontocracy remains in power, regardless of party, there will be precious few new ideas or real plans to prepare for Japan's inevitably smaller, leaner future.
You may be an estrogen-laden twerp, but you occasionally make good points.

[budgie]

That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me

[acosta]

It's Japan. Change is not something they do very well.

well, i would say, that's simple wrong.

meiji revolution, that was the one they did pretty well.

[budgie]

That was 150 years ago dude. We're talking modern postwar Japan. Two different beasts.

[Mikhael]

Yes change in japan is a lost word. For decades this country is ruled by old farts from behind a curtain. They need some younger generation to be a new power base without any ties to the "old" IMO.

[the_13th_redneck]

Yeah Japan for the past few decades has changed at the pace of an asthmatic slug trying to go up a lubed pole.
But with nationalistic fervor on the rise (as I have heard and read), and with politicians actually running on this sort of platform, the change may be slow but steady. It's a global trend too.

Also, I think too many folks just can't seem to think beyond World War II. Too much History Channel?

[ayanami_tard]

who will replace rozen aso?

[budgie]

Hopefully the LDP stays out of the limelight so long it doesn't matter

[LazerLordz]

who will replace rozen aso?

At last, he can read his Rozen Maiden in peace.p-)

[Kadrun]

This group hopes the creation of East Asia version of EU.
China-Korea-Japan.......... eh................... what????????

[ren0312]

I would agree that Japan's service sector needs some work, but some comments here are really bordering on hysterical, I mean if you were to choose where would you ride, Japan Rail and Japan Airlines, or AMTRAK and American Airlines, USPS or Japan Post, Verizon/Sprint or NTT, Japan's service sector may not be known for making much money, but they do provide very good service.

[ayanami_tard]

This group hopes the creation of East Asia version of EU.
China-Korea-Japan.......... eh................... what????????


ASEAN+3


At last, he can read his Rozen Maiden in peace.p-)

rofl