Volume 02, Number 22.

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Thanks for dropping by today. Early last week, technological over-confidence resulted in a severe computer crisis. Two hard disks, including the one with all the backup files, rendered inoperable. A computer that wouldn't boot. All files lost forever. Or so it seemed for several days.

Thanks to advice and specific instructions from Japan Considered readers/listeners, and the efforts of the crack technical support staff here at USC, I have been able to recover all of the data. A relief! And testimony to the importance of off-site back-ups of essential files.

This week, in response to numerous listener questions since the beginning of the program, I describe the information sources upon which the Japan Considered Podcast is based, and the processes through which it is created each week. I think I've covered every question. But send an e-mail if I've missed something you have asked, or in which you have an interest: RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I'll try to respond.

We also return to the LDP presidential election race, and consider its significance for the future of Japan's domestic government and international relations.