December 21, 2007; Volume 03, Number 44

Click here for the audio file for today's program

Click here for a transcript of this program

Welcome back to the Japan Considered Podcast. Thanks for dropping by. The production schedule is still muddled. But the Podcast is going strong. No PodFading here.

This week we consider a number of international events of significance. First a follow-up on the "Joint Communique" flap with Mainland China we discussed on the last program. Then preparations for Prime Minister Fukuda's first trip to China as prime minister. Next we consider the longer-term significance of Japan's successful SM-3 missile shoot-down from the Aegis-equipped Kongou destroyer. And finally, on the international side, how the Fukuda Cabinet has handled the DSP inquiry into Government of Japan preparations for the arrival of potentially hostile UFOs.

In conclusion we take a look at the LDP's new YouTube website, and consider its significance for political campaigning in Japan.

As always, send your comments and suggestions for the program directly to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, and respond directly to as many as possible soon after their arrival. End-of-semester flurry has created a back-up there too, I fear. But I'll get through them all, and appreciate the suggestions.

December 11, 2007; Volume 03, Number 43

Click here for the audio file for today's program

Click here for a transcript of this program

Yes, that's right. Tuesday, December 11th. Delayed again by the day job!

This week we take a closer look at one international and one domestic political issue. Both seem to have longer-term significance for our understanding of just how Japan works.

First, we consider the sudden eruption of a flap over Beijing editing the published Chinese version of a "Joint Communique" issued at the end of the cabinet-level bilateral economic talks in Beijing held earlier this month.

Then we consider recent domestic political developments, with focus on debate over extension of the current Diet session. Looking at both ruling coalition and opposition actions and motivations, as well as the longer-term significance of all this.

As always, continue to send your comments and suggestions for the program directly to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, and respond directly to as many as possible. They're a big help when planning future programs.

November 23, 2007. Volume 03, Number 42

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.


Welcome again to this week's post-Thanksgiving Day Japan Considered Podcast. No Podcast next week, November 30th. I'll be traveling and won't have internet access most of the time. So, tune back in on December 7th.

This week has been busy again in Japan. Both domestically and internationally. We'll begin with preliminary discussion of Prime Minister Fukuda's trip to Singapore. And his important summit meetings there.

Then we'll shift to the domestic political scene, and an event that's received little notice. Comparatively. Election of Hideo Hiramatsu as Mayor of Osaka. Quite an interesting election. With important implications for Japan's national politics. Though perhaps not quite the implications we're reading in Japan's political press.

And finally, we'll consider one of the two puzzles I mentioned last week. And the week before! This one continuing -- even intensifying -- discussion of a "snap election." It simply doesn't make sense to me. So, let's discuss it in some detail.

So, until week after next, then. Continue to send your comments and suggestions for the program to me directly at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, and reply to as many as possible. They are a great help when planning the topics for future programs.

November 16, 2007. Volume 03, Number 41

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for coming by again this week for our second anniversary program. It was November 18, 2005, when I recorded the first program. Just an introduction. With terrible sound. Check the archives for 2005 if you'd like a chuckle. But your continued interest in the program has kept it going.

This week we consider the results of the eleventh bilateral Japan-China expert negotiating session over gas exploitation in the East China Sea. Then we review Prime Minister Fukuda's brief visit to Washington, his summit meeting with President Bush, and how Japan's political press has reported the run-up and outcome. Finally we update the rapidly expanding Ministry of Defense equipment procurement scandal.

Finishing well within our twenty-five minute time limit. Have a listen, or a read, and send your comments to me directly at RobertCAngel@gmail.com.

November 9, 2007. Volume 03, Number 40

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping in again this week. We have another full schedule. Japan's domestic politics continue to surprise. So, we'll focus most of our energies on domestic political issues.

First, an update of the Prosecutors' investigation of suspicions of corruption at the Ministry of Defense. More Diet testimony scheduled; a few arrests; and plenty of media coverage. I also review the traditional pattern of these political financial scandals in Japan. And suggest why this one may have some significance for Japan's domestic politics.

Then we look at the second Fukuda-Ozawa closed-door meeting, and the remarkable media coverage it has generated. Including lots of talk of "Grand Coalition" proposals. If all this hasn't been dramatic enough, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa decided to submit his resignation as Party president, and then retract the decision. Quite remarkable performances.

In addition to these important domestic political developments, we look in again on the series of bilateral meetings between Japan and China over management of gas exploitation in the East China Sea. Another meeting is scheduled for next week.

As always, send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com.

November 2, 2007. Volume 03, Number 39

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by. Another full week. Even without being able to access news for today, Friday. I'm in the Mobile Studio again, at Hunting Island State Park, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful site. But a long way from internet access!

This week we'll consider Takemasa Moriya's testimony Monday before the Lower House Committee, and subsequent Japan political press coverage of the event. What was said and what was only hinted.

Then we'll shift to Tuesday's meeting between Prime Minister and LDP President Yasuo Fukuda and DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa. Lots of speculation since about that mostly closed-door meeting. And the decision to cancel the Diet debate between Fukuda and Ozawa the following day.

And finally, we begin our consideration of Fukuda the Man, a brief profile of Yasuo Fukuda. That hopefully will help us interpret his behavior and consider the implications of his premiership for Japan's national political processes.

October 26, 2007. Volume 03, Number 38

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping in again this week. We have a full schedule. Though I'll do my best to keep the program to a reasonable length. This week we check in on the Ministry of Defense flaps. Including the "Moriya Golf" issue, and how that issue has been combined with debate over renewal of legislation authorizing Japan to continue refueling U.S. ships, and ships of other nations, engaged in the war on terror.

Then we have an interview with Dr. James Auer, Director of the Center for U.S.-Japan Studies and Cooperation at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Public Policy Studies. Jim helps us unravel the complex parliamentary goings-on concerning Japan's diplo-military relationship with the United States. A real mine field.

October 19, 2007. Volume 03, Number 37

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for joining me again today. We have a good program. Featuring an extended interview with Gregg Rubinstein of Washington, D.C. Gregg gives us his latest thinking on the nature of U.S.-Japan relations. All interesting stuff.

Before that we briefly consider the significance of a couple of items in the news this week. First, Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura's comments to the Kantei press corps about negotiations with China over the East China Sea gas exploitation dispute. He clearly said -- again -- that Japan believes this issue requires a "political" resolution. And that Japan expects China to present a more reasonable proposal. Clearly, "dialogue" can mean all sorts of things.

The second issue concerns NHK's reporting today on allegations that recently retired Ministry of Defense Vice Minister, Takemasa Moriya, has been playing golf regularly with representatives of an important defense contractor. For years. This isn't a new issue. Japan's tabloid political press and newsletters have been covering it for months. But NHK's decision to cover it is significant, I think. We'll just have to see how the Fukuda Cabinet responds.

Finally, we have the excellent interview with Gregg Rubinstein I mentioned a moment ago. Full of information and insights. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

And we close with a clip of bluegrass from the Seldom Scene's 1985 album, "Blue Ridge." If you buy only one album of bluegrass for your collection this may well be the one to get. Here's where it's available on-line.

Also, here's the link for the "Japanese Online Media" article by Dean Shallard from the Japan Media Review site.

October 12, 2007. Volume 03, Number 36

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.


Thanks for dropping by again. And for the e-mailed comments and suggestions for the program that you've taken the time to send. They're very helpful, and keep 'em coming! To RobertCAngel@gmail.com.

In response to your suggestions, I've added a trial website search window to the Japan Considered Project website home page. It's at the bottom of the page. Give it a try. It should allow you to search the website's contents for files that contain words and phrases you input. Let me know how it works.

This week we take a look at the latest round of bilateral talks between Japan and China on the East China Sea gas exploitation dispute. No progress in the talks. But I think they tell us something about Japan's new prime minister and cabinet.

Then we continue our consideration of the first 18 days of Yasuo Fukuda's premiership. With special attention to the implications of the style of his selection for his performance as prime minister.

October 5, 2007. Volume 03; Number 35

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of today's program.

Thanks for dropping by. No program last week. But, hopefully, we're back on track now.

This time we return to Japan's international relations, with consideration of Tokyo's reaction to recent events on the Korean peninsula. The second round of the Six Party Talks, and the North-South Korean Summit meeting. Japan has a big stake in developments there.

Then we consider selection of Yasuo Fukuda as LDP president, and prime minister of Japan. How he was selected. What was expected; what was unexpected.

As always, continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. And click on over to the Japan Considered Project website for past podcast transcripts and audio files. And, links to useful English language web-based resources on Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

September 14, 2007. Volume 03; Number 33

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of today's program.

Thanks for dropping by again this week. Last week I said we'd continue to consider the significance of the cabinet reshuffle on Japan's politics unless we had any surprising developments. Well, we had one.

On Wednesday at 2PM, Tokyo time, Prime Minister Abe held a press conference and announced his decision to resign. Tokyo's political world has been wild since.

So, this week, we consider the causes of that surprise announcement, its significance for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

As of today, former Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yasuo Fukuda, seems Abe's likely successor. A successor selected by the LDP's faction leaders, in the traditional Factionist pattern. What will this mean for Japan's domestic politics, economic policy, and conduct of international relations?

All considered this week. With more to come next week.

September 7, 2007. Volume 03, Number 32

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a full transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by. As we continue our consideration of post-Upper House election domestic politics in Japan.

This week our focus is on an effort to address the question: "Why is Shinzo Abe still Japan's prime minister?" It's a reasonable question, I think, given the difficulty he has had with public approval of his cabinet. And the disastrous results of the July 29th Upper House election. I don't have a definitive answer. But do have several alternative explanations.

As always, continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. And click on over to the Japan Considered Project website at www.JapanConsidered.com. It's slowly beginning to take shape.

August 31, 2007. Volume 03, Number 31

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Welcome again to the Japan Considered Podcast. This week our focus is on the reshuffle of the Abe Cabinet. and the significance of that reshuffle for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

I've been able to persuade three specialists in the field to join us today as commentators. First Mr. Gregg Rubinstein gives his thoughts on the significance of all this for the Ministry of Defense, and its conduct of its mission.

Then Dr. Edward Lincoln provides his thoughts on the economic appointments -- both domestic and international.

And Dr. Dennis Yasutomo discusses the implications of the reshuffle for Japan's conduct of foreign relations, in broader perspective.

I'd planned to add my own commentary on the effect of the reshuffle on Japan's domestic politics. But the contributions of our guest commentators went a bit longer than expected. All good material, so I didn't feel comfortable cutting it. You'll hear from me next week.

Keep in mind, this just happened. So these are only preliminary thoughts on the subject. We may well see dramatic changes in the near future.

August 24, 2007. Volume 03, Number 30

Click here for the Audio File of this program

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for tuning again this week. LibSyn, the service that stores the audio files for the program, has been experiencing difficulty for the past few days. So I suspect some of you have been unable to access the program's audio files. Let's hope the problem's settled soon so we'll be up and running.

Since this week we again have a lot to cover. We begin with some discussion of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Indonesia, India, and Malaysia this week. He left on Sunday and is expected back in Tokyo tomorrow, Saturday.

Then we turn to domestic politics, with consideration of developments in the appointment of the second Abe Cabinet. Some of those developments quite surprising.

And finally we look at Prime Minister Abe's political style, in search of explanations of the problems he has faced since his selection last September. I suggest that he may simply be conflict-adverse. Or that he's relying on individuals for advice who are out of touch with the current political situation in Japan.

August 10, 2007. Volume 03, Number 28

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Back home at last from a 24-day Grand Northern Sojourn. This program coming to you from the home studio. Hopefully with a little better sound quality. Thanks for tuning in.

This week we begin by considering a couple of important international developments. The first, how the North Korean government's abduction and imprisonment of Japanese citizens has become a political football in Japan's domestic politics. Then evidence of a subtle change in the tone of Japan's relationship with Mainland China.

The remainder of our program this week is devoted to continuation of the July 29th election post-mortem. This time focusing on the response of the Abe Kantei to the shocking defeat.

And we close with a clip of Tony Rice's "Changes" that I hope you enjoy.

Friday, August 3, 2007

August 3, 2007. Volume 03, Number 27

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Greetings from the Mobile Studio again. Back home on Tuesday, if all goes as planned. Things then will return to normal. Well, closer to normal. At least until classes start at the University on the 23rd.

Speaking of classes, this semester our Japan domestic politics class will have a great time watching the aftermath of Sunday's Upper House election. As predicted, the LDP lost -- and Lost Big. For the first time since the Party's creation in 1955, it no longer is the largest single party in both houses of the Diet. Now, that matters.

This week on the program I'll consider what happened, why it happened, and some of the consequences. This is a big subject, and will take at least one or two more programs to complete. But first things first. What happened? And what Didn't happen? And why?

Thanks for your attention to the Japan Considered Podcast.

RCA

Friday, July 27, 2007

July 13, 2007. Volume 03, Number 25

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Greetings from the Finger Lakes Region of New York State’s Southern Tier. Coming to you today, Friday the 27^th, from the Mobile Studio. The northernmost point on my long trip with the Mobile Studio. Great fun. Though internet access has been spotty, at best. I’ve finally found a WiFi connection strong enough to allow me to upload the audio file and web pages.

This week we take a final look at the run-up to the Upper House election on Sunday. With a focus on the two issues I think are most critical: the government’s failure to correct problems of SIA’s mismanagement of public pension records, and public resentment over enduring, pervasive problems with political funding.

No bluegrass this week. Sorry. And the sound quality of this program may not be quite what it should be. The Mobile Studio is very much a work in progress.

But thanks for tuning in. And, as always, continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. And click on over to the Japan Considered Project website for a transcript of this, and past, programs. As well as other resources related to Japan’s domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

July 13, 2007. Volume 03, Number 25

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Greetings again from Spring Valley in the Midlands of South Carolina. I will be traveling for the next few weeks. So, Japan Considered Podcast postings until mid-August will depend entirely upon my access to WiFi connections to the Internet. Both to collect political and international news from Japan, and to upload the programs produced from the information collected. I hope you keep checking back, though. I haven't "Pod-Faded," as Scott Fletcher used to say.

This week we look briefly at a couple of significant international issues. First, Japan's role in the international effort to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons development. Then at publication of the Ministry of Defense's first Defense White Paper. With focus on the section devoted to analysis of China's military development.

Then we return to the national political scene, and consider the run-up to the July 29th Upper House election. The official campaign period began yesterday, Thursday the 12th. How will Japan's potential voters respond. There is near-unanimous agreement among Japan's political press, Punditocracy, and Tenurate that the LDP under Shinzo Abe's leadership is headed for a loss. A big loss. As one important issue, we consider the origins and significance of SIA's lost pension payments, and what is to be done.

July 6, 2007. Volume 03, Number 24

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Greetings Again From the Japan Considered Podcast Mobile Studio. Parked here on the shore of Lake Thurmond. Enjoying the view, in spite of the heat. Thanks for dropping by.

This week we focus almost entirely on the significance of the resignation of Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma. After the negative publicity his comment on U.S. atomic bombing of Japanese cities at the end of World War Two incited.

After describing what happened, we consider the significance of Kyuma's resignation, given the options, and what it tells us about Shinzo Abe's management of the Japanese premiership. My conclusions are somewhat different than those of most of Japan's political media.

Finally we consider what I believe to be the most long-term significant aspect of the Kyuma Affair: Appointment of Yuriko Koike as his successor. And why.

June 22, 2007. Volume 03, Number 23

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

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.

June 15, 2007. Volume 03, Number 22

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by again for another Japan Considered Podcast. Each week at this time we consider events of longer-term significance in the news from Japan. Those with the potential for telling us more about how Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations actually works.

This week we focus on the upcoming Upper House election. Its timing, how the election is conducted, and the likely effect on Japan's domestic politics should the Ruling Coalition lose its Upper House majority. That's not a prediction, now. Just a "what-if" sort of exercise.

Please continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all and take each one into consideration when planning future programs.

June 8, 2007. Volume 03; Number 21

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

A hearty South Carolina welcome to one and all. Thanks for dropping by this week. Special welcome to those of you who haven't been with us before. I hope the program meets your expectations.

Each week we consider events in the news from Japan with longer-term significance for Japan's domestic politics and/or conduct of international relations. Not a news show, now. Nothing that fancy. Or comprehensive. Just interpretation and analysis of what others tell us.

This week our focus is international. First, the significance of creation of an annual 2+2 diplo-military consultation framework with Australia, and the first annual meeting.

Then we take what must be a preliminary look at Japan's participation in the G-8 Summit being held in Germany. How does Prime Minister Abe's performance compare with those of his predecessors.

Click on over too the G-8 Summit website maintained by the G-8 Research Group at Trinity College. The University of Toronto hosts the website. Here's the link. Well worth saving.

And finally we break tradition and conclude with a non-bluegrass clip today. It's close, though. Hope you like it.

June 1, 2007. Volume 03; Number 20

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by again to the Japan Considered Podcast. Each week at this time we consider recent events in the news with longer-term significance for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations. The mobile studio is home this week, making production just a little easier. Hopefully, improving the quality of the sound.

Another busy week in Japan. We begin the program with an interview with Dr. James Auer, Director of the Center for U.S.-Japan Studies and Cooperation at Vanderbilt University. A number of you asked for more information about the current debate over collective security, and Jim provides that. Great information and analysis from one of best on this subject. See a copy of Jim's interview on the Japan Considered Project Interviews page by clicking here.

Then we turn to the unfortunate death on Monday of Agriculture Minister, Toshikatsu Matsuoka. Japan's political news has been full of articles on this subject. Most of them focused on the effect of Matsuoka's suicide on the Abe Cabinet and next month's Upper House election. While all that is undoubtedly important, I think there is broader, longer-term significance of Matsuoka's death that we should consider. So we do!

Finally, we have that bluegrass clip I promised you last week. From The Man, John Duffey. Hope you enjoy it. If you don't yet have your own copy off "Always in Style," click here to go over to the Country Sales site to buy one. Or, it's also available for download from iTunes. Just enter "Always in Style" in the search window, or even "John Duffey." Though I warn you, results from the latter search string may cost you more than you expected to spend!

May 25, 2007. Volume 03; Number 19

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Coming to you this week from Iron Station in the beautiful Piedmont region of our Northern neighboring state.

This week our focus from beginning to end is international. First, a look at Japan's response to the latest North Korean missile initiative. This one conducted early this morning, Japan time. Then we consider recent events in Japan's relationship with Mainland China. Including the latest round of bilateral negotiations over the East China Sea gas exploitation issue. And other issues of significance.

I forgot to bring along the bluegrass clip I'd prepared for you before leaving in the mobile studio. Sorry about that. Next week for sure! You will find podcast subscription information at the top of this page, should you want an easier method of accessing the program. It's just a click away.

May 18, 2007. Volume 03, Number 18

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Greetings from Norris Dam State Park in Eastern Tennessee. A beautiful site to create a Podcast. Listen to this week's program, or read the transcript, for more details on this area.

This week a lot was going on in Tokyo. We begin with consideration of the longer-term significance of the Diet's passage of the Constitution Revision Referendum Law. Then we look at the ticklish issue of collective security, or collective self defense. And finally we continue our survey of the environment within which Japan's domestic political competition occurs.

As usual, please continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, and consider each one when creating new programs. The mail increases each week. As the number of listeners and subscribers increases. And that's a good thing, as they say.

May 11, 2007. Volume 03, Number 17

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Welcome back to you long-time listeners, and a hearty South Carolina welcome to those of you who've found the program for the first time. I'm Robert Angel, creator and maintainer of the Japan Considered Project. And creator and host of this podcast.

Each week at this time we consider a few recent events that seem to have the greatest longer-term significance for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations. Click on over to the Japan Considered website where you'll find all sorts of useful information. Including interviews with well-known contributors to American scholarship on political Japan. And an archive of sound files and transcripts of these podcasts. Which goes clear back to November of 2005.

This week we begin with an interview with Dr. Ed Lincoln, Director of the Japan-U.S. Center at New York University's Stern School of Business. Ed helps us sort through the significance of the recent spate of FTA agreements Japan and other countries have been negotiating of late.

Then we turn to Japan's domestic politics. I set the stage for more in-depth consideration of the changes in Japan's domestic political environment during the past fifteen or twenty years. We'll continue on this theme next week as well, and then consider the current state of the major competitors in Japan's Diet: the LDP and DPJ.

Don't miss the incredible bluegrass clip at the end. It'll warm your heart all week!

May 4, 2007. Volume 03, Number 16

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for tuning in again this week. We have an interesting program. First, an important correction, thanks to a sharp-eared listener. Then a Skype-line interview with Gregg Rubinstein during which he explains the substance and significance of the recently concluded U.S.-Japan "2+2" consultations. Then, at last we look at the Abe Cabinet's recent energy diplomacy initiative, including the Prime Minister's recently concluded trip to five countries in the Middle East, and METI Minister Amari's visit to Kazakhstan. Both visits including huge delegations of senior Japanese business leaders.

April 27, 2007. Volume 03, Number 15

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

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.

April 13, 2007. Volume 03, Number 14

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Welcome to another edition of the Japan Considered Podcast. I'm here again at Sesquicentennial State Park, "narrow-casting" from our Little Tin House, Aliner. Which has become something of a mobile studio. Hopefully, the sound this week will be better. Since we have several important topics to cover.

First, we'll consider passage of a Constitutional Referendum Bill through the Lower House, and its significance. Then we'll shift to post-election assessment of the prefectural and local unified elections held Sunday. What they tell us about Japan's political future. If anything. And finally, we'll consider the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Japan. What was accomplished. And what remains.

As always, send me your comments and suggestions for the program at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, and try to respond to each one. Visit the Japan Considered Project website at www.JapanConsidered.com. Not much progress this week. But I was able to record an excellent interview with Gregg Rubinstein earlier in the week that will go up as soon as time permits.

April 6, 2007. Volume 03, Number 13

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by again this week. Especially after the terrible sound quality of last week's program. Sorry about that. I'll try to do better next time I produce a program out in the wild, in Our Little Tin House.

This week I provide some comments in response to e-mail feedback on last week's program concerning administrative reform. And also include more recent developments in that important area. The English language press has yet to discover the issue, or to recognize its importance. But there's plenty in Japanese to keep us busy.

I'd hoped to provide more background information about Japan's prefectural and local elections. But, there's little information of interest in Japan's political press. Even in Japanese. So we'll have to wait until next week when we have the election results, and some preliminary analysis of their significance.

In conclusion we look again at preparations for Chinese Premier Wen's visit to Tokyo next week, and what those preparations tell us about the current state of relations between the two countries. And close with an inspiring clip from Patsy Cline that's sure to stay with you through most of next week.

Continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. They're very helpful, and I enjoy hearing what you think.

March 30, 2007. Volume 03, Number 12

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

It's Friday again, and welcome back. This time from a remote site. Well, not really very remote. Just the Sesquicentennial State Park in the Midlands of South Carolina. But the program is being produced and recorded here among the beautifully blooming dogwood. In our Aliner Little Tin House. So, you'll probably hear a difference in the audio sound. Especially at the beginning. Hopefully not too bad.

This week, as promised last Friday, we focus on only one topic. The politics of the Abe Kantei's "Administrative Reform" proposal. This is potentially a very important issue. And, we've seen very little coverage of it, even in the Japanese political media. At least, compared to its significance.

So, we'll do that here. Beginning with the history and overall significance of the issue. Then how the Abe Kantei has presented their proposals, and the specific content of those proposals. And finally something on the politics of the whole issue.

Thanks for all of the e-mail messages. They are helpful. You don't have to agree with the analysis here to write in. Just address your e-mail to RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I look forward to reading them. And will respond to all I can. Also, click on over to the new Japan Considered website. Slowly, slowly, I'm getting materials migrated over.

March 23, 2007. Volume 03, Number 11

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Welcome back again this week. To all of you who regularly listen to and/or read the show. Another busy week in political and international Japan.

We begin with good news about modification of the "Sushi Police" scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture. But then look at the collapse of the Six-Party Talks held this week in Beijing, as a counter-balance.

The balance of the program is all about the upcoming prefectural and local elections. And what they actually mean for Japan's domestic politics. A number of you have written in asking for clarification. So, here it is.

I'd hoped to consider the administrative reforms the Abe Cabinet announced earlier this week. They are important. Far more important than their footprint in Japan's political press would suggest. But it will have to wait until next week.

At the end of the program we have another nice clip from Nashville's "Infamous Stringdusters." From "A Poor Boy's Dream." You can order the album from Sugar Hill by clicking on this link.

Until next week, then, continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. Especially anything you might have on the conduct of the prefectural and local elections. That news is darn hard to come by!

March 16, 2007. Volume 03, Number 10

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping in again. It's good to be back at the microphone. After nearly a two-week absence. Not "pod-fading," now. Just a planned short spring vacation. Thanks for all of your e-mails. I'll have gotten through them by the end of the weekend, hopefully. And they're all appreciated. We've had quite an increase in regular subscribers to the program since the last program. A hearty South Carolina welcome to you all. I hope the programs you receive will meet your expectations. Drop me an e-mail at RobertCAngel@gmail.com to let me know what you think. I'll do my best to write back.

We’ll begin this week with a quick review of developments in the North Korean situation. Because of its overall importance. Then a comment on the Abe Cabinet’s discussion of defense relations with Australia, Indonesia, and France, and its significance. Next, we’ll consider recent developments in the relationship with Mainland China, including the run-up to Premier Wen’s visit to Japan early next month. And we’ll conclude with further consideration of the Abe Cabinet’s management of public communications, both domestic and international. And I've prepared an excellent bluegrass clip for you at the end. From the "Infamous Stringdusters." You can pick up a copy of their album, "Fork in the Road," from Sugar Hill Records by clicking here.

You also can reach the Japan Press Weekly by clicking here.

March 3 , 2007. Volume 03, Number 09

Click here for the audio file of this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by again this week. Sorry the program is late going up. And, there won't be a program on Friday, March 9. Not podfading, just traveling for a few days. But I'll be back and at it the following Friday, March 16th. So stay tuned.

This week we take a look at the passage of Japan's FY 2007 budget through the Lower House Budget Committee and the Lower House plenary session. With special emphasis on what this process can tell us about Ichiro Ozawa's DPJ.

Then we consider Japan's management of relations with China, and how that has changed during the past decade or so. Using the Yasukuni Shrine Visit fracas of last year as an example.

And, of course, we close with a refreshing clip of bluegrass, just to brighten your week. This the Original Seldom Scene's rendition of James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James." Incredible music. You can find Act I by clicking on this link.

February 23, 2007. Volume 03, Number 08

Click here for the audio file of today's podcast.

Click here to read a full transcript of today's podcast.

Thanks for stopping in again this week. We've made some progress on migration of the Japan Considered Project website to new, hopefully more reliable, commercial servers. The process isn't done yet. But at least the audio files are up. And the link above takes you to the first page on the new website server. Nothing much else there yet, however. Coming soon, as they say.

This week I've devoted the whole program to more detailed consideration of the political significance of the continued decline in the public approval ratings of the Abe Cabinet. It is, I believe, the most important domestic political topic for Japan at the moment. With widespread implications. We explore a few of them, focusing on how the significance of public approval of Japan's central political executive has changed over the past few decades.

Thanks for your continued attention. As always, send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all with interest. And soon you will be able to reach the Japan Considered Project website at www.JapanConsidered.com.

February 16, 2007. Volume 03, Number 07

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for tuning in again this week. We're still in transition. Migrating the audio files from this and all previous programs to a commercial server. And setting up a new commercial server for the Website. Sorry for the confusion. But we should have more reliable service as soon as the migration is complete.

This week we focus on two topics. The first is a non-event, the decision to delay launch of Japan's fourth surveillance satellite again. I provide some background on the program, and intend it to illustrate changes in how Japan's attentive public views such issues.

We then consider the results and aftermath of the Six-Party Talks in Beijing, including the substance of the agreement announced and the reaction from around the world.

As always, continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all and take each one into consideration when planning future programs.

February 9, 2007 . Volume 03, Number 06.

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Sorry about the delayed posting of this transcript. Things are back to normal. You can find both the link to the program audio file and to the full transcript in their normal place on the Japan Considered Project website. Just go to www.JapanConsidered.org, and click on the big podcast button. In the meantime, I hope you found the audio file and the transcript text right here. The problems with the University's servers, or whatever it was, seem to be fixed now. I'm hoping to have a better solution for you in a few weeks.

This week we have a full agenda, beginning with some comments on the on-going Six-Party Talks being held in Bejing on North Korea's nuclear efforts.

We then consider the significance of the results of Sunday's elections for the LDP and Opposition parties, and Prime Minister Abe's approval ratings.

Finally we consider the outcome of the Opposition parties' decision to boycott Lower House debate on the supplementary budget bill. In protest of Health Minister Hakuo Yanagisawa's offensive remark during a speech the week before. The boycott is over, but the results have longer-term significance for Japan's parliament, I think.

We close, of course, with an inspiring clip of bluegrass, this one sure to brighten your day

February 2 , 2007 . Volume 03, Number 05.

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping by again this week for another Japan Considered Podcast. This week we continue to consider the problems the Abe Cabinet seems to be having with public approval ratings. And the various causes of those problems.

We also consider DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa's decision to organize an opposition party boycott of Lower House supplementary budget debate over Health and Welfare Minister Yanagisawa's description of Japan's mothers as baby-making machines.

Then Dr. Kristina Troost of Duke University joins us to describe the excellent website she has created to provide convenient access to all kinds of on-line resources on Japan. This is one of the very best Japan-related websites on the net.

And, as usual, we close with a heart-warming bluegrass clip, this from the Original Seldom Scene.

January 26, 2007 . Volume 03, Number 04.

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Welcome again this week to another edition of the Japan Considered Podcast. Click on over to www.JapanConsidered.org to directly download the audio file to your own computer, or to read the text transcript of the program. And continue sending your comments and suggestions to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. I read them all, though it sometimes takes a while to get out a response. The more the better, though. Lots of good ideas for future programs comes through that route. Thanks.

This week we focus on the policy speeches given to the Diet today, January 26, by Prime Minister Abe and Foreign Minister Aso. Not just the content of the speech. You can read that most anywhere. But the significance of the items they chose to highlight in their speeches.

We also look at the results of the Miyazaki Prefectural gubernatorial election, and the surprise win of a comedian known as Sonommama Higashi. With no organized political party support. What does that tell us about the evolution of Japan's electoral politics?

And we close with a splendid bluegrass clip from the Wind Riders of North Carolina. They really do -- I'll admit! -- know how to play bluegrass up there.

January 19, 2007 . Volume 03, Number 03.

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Thanks for dropping in again to the Japan Considered Podcast. Lots happening in Japan of significance to domestic politics and the conduct of international relations. We have to be even more selective than usual this week, however, since we have an excellent interview with Dr. James Auer, director of Vanderbilt University's Center for U.S.-Japan Studies and Cooperation.

We'll also consider encouraging events related to political funds reporting revelations we've discussed during the past few weeks. And I introduce another excellent source of English language information on Japan's politics. This one unapologetically from the Left. It is the "Japan Press Weekly," produced by the Japan Communist Party. You can find it on the web at http://www.japan-press.co.jp/

And we close with a remarkable bluegrass clip. This one from a 1972 album by the Seldom Scene featuring John Starling on "Raised by the Railroad Line." You can buy the album at Rebel Records by clicking here. Or, just go to iTunes, click on the iTunes store, and punch in Seldom Scene. All of Act I is there, or you can buy the individual songs. Enjoy

January 11, 2007 . Volume 03, Number 02.

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

Welcome again to the Japan Considered Podcast. And a day early this week. I leave for a conference early tomorrow morning. So it's today or never for this week's program. And we have material that just can't wait.

After considering continuing reports of LDP political "sloppy bookkeeping" and what it means for Japan's electoral politics, we take a preliminary look at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's tour of Europe and NATO. More on that next week after we have better information.

The biggest treat,however -- well, other than the bluegrass -- this week is an interview with Mr. Gregg Rubinstein, Director of GAR Associates in Washington, D.C. Gregg joined us via the SkypePhone yesterday, and discusses the significance of the elevation of Japan's Defense Agency to ministerial status. As before, Gregg provides us with lots of useful information and interpretation.

And we close with an instrumental that features John Duffey's incomparable mandolin playing. This again from the Seldom Scene's "Live at the Cellar Door," recorded back in the 1970s.

Enjoy, and I hope you join me next week when we will again consider the longer-term significance of events in the news for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations.

January 5, 2007 . Volume 03, Number 01.

Click here for the audio file for this program.

Click here for a transcript of this program.

A somewhat belated Happy New Year to all of you. Thanks for tuning again to the Japan Considered Podcast for another program. Each week at this time we select a few items from Japan's news and consider their longer-term significance for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations. Also, from time to time, we are joined on the program by another specialist on Japan, who shares their interpretation of events and prospects.

This week we begin with consideration of the significance of continuing disclosure in Japan's political press of campaign financing scandals for LDP politicians. Following that we are joined by Francis A. Moyer, Director of North Carolina's Japan Center, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He discusses developments in Japan's stock market since he worked there throughout much of the 1980s as a stock analyst.

We conclude the program with a short clip from a Virginia-based bluegrass band, Lakeside Junction. This band no longer exists, unfortunately. But their sound has been preserved, thanks to banjoist, Mr. Bill Krumpter.