December 29, 2006. Volume 02, Number 46.

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Good Morning, again, for the final Japan Considered Podcast of 2006. Thanks for dropping by. And special thanks to you long-time listeners. It doesn't work without you. So I appreciate your attention. And look forward to continuing these weekly programs of commentary and analysis concerning Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations in 2007.

This week we return to the problems the Abe Kantei seems to be having communicating with Japan's attentive public. Resolution of the Professor Homma fiasco we mentioned last week, eruption of a new political funding scandal, this time within the Cabinet itself, and its more rapid resolution. And then consideration of the significance of Yoshimi Watanabe's appointment to succeed Genichiro Sata as Minister of State responsible for administrative reform and regional revitalization.

Happy New Year to all.