April 6, 2007. Volume 03, Number 13

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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.