September 14, 2007. Volume 03; Number 33

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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.