Friday, January 6, 2006 Volume 02, Number 01

During this first program of the New Year, we focus again on recent developments in Japan's relationship with the People's Republic of China, and how changes in Japan's domestic political environment and political leadership have influenced events.

Next week we will turn to the LDP and DPJ party presidential succession battles, reviewing the candidates, how they are conducting their campaigns, and how the competition has changed since Prime Minister Koizumi's incumbency.

A listener last week suggested that I post transcripts of each podcast, and make them available in the show notes. Would show transcripts be useful? Send me an e-mail at with your opinion, as well as your comments and suggestions on the show.

Check the Japan Considered website for more English language resources on political and Diplomatic Japan, at http://www.japanconsidered.org/. I just posted an interview there with Professor Nathaniel B. Thayer, author of How the Conservatives Rule Japan, in which he discusses his early experiences in Japan and how he got into the field.

Links to individuals and organizations mentioned this week:

The Prime Minister's Office, or Kantei, Website

People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Website of the Okinotorishima Island

Japan Considered Project Interview with Professor Nathaniel B. Thayer

Click here for the Audio File for this Program

Click here for a transcript of this Program