April 27, 2007. Volume 03, Number 15

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Welcome back, after a two-week absence. Good to be behind the microphone again for another edition of the Japan Considered Podcast. This one from our South Carolina home. No traveling this week!

A lot's happened since our last program. So let's get right to it. We'll begin this week with review of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's first trip to Washington as prime minister. Lots to consider there, including the diverse interpretations of the bilateral relationship now coming from Washington.

Then, as promised on the last program, we'll consider the second round of unified prefectural and local elections that Japan held on Sunday, the 22nd. What they tell us about the current state of domestic politics in Japan. Talk about diverse interpretations!

I'd hoped to include a section on developments concerning collective security, and Japan's participation, this week. But ran out of time. Next week! Along with developments this week and next in the field of energy diplomacy. Both very important topics.