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Welcome again to the Japan Considered Podcast. Each week at this time we consider items in the news with longer-term significance for understanding Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations. Click on over to the Japan Considered Project Website at www.JapanConsidered.com. There you'll find a number of links to some of the best English language information on political and international Japan available free of charge on the Web. You'll also find a number of interviews with individuals who've made important contributions to the English language literature on Japan.This week our focus is almost entirely domestic. After brief mention of the flurry of activity related to the North Korean nuclear issue, and Secretary Hill's visit to Pyongyang.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has forced an extension of the current Diet session. A 12-day extension. That will change the date of the Upper House election next month. So, it's important. We consider the significance of this change. And the significance of Prime Minister Abe's role in the decision.
As always, send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, respond directly to as many as time permits, and consider all when preparing future programs.
