New PM, same old politics in Japan
- By Wen Hui
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China.org.cn, August 31, 2011
However, the urgent situation has not left much room for Noda. As the global economy enters a new crisis, Japan's situation is not positive. The new cabinet must take action. However, it is doubtful whether its policies will be either innovative or effective. Noda was adamant that Japan needs to raise taxes temporarily to help fund rebuilding, though this would go against public expectation.
As for the current appreciation of the Japanese yen, Noda believes there is no cause for concern. A strong yen which is under control is good for Japanese enterprises in terms of their overseas assets purchasing. But supporting measures need to be implemented to help enterprises deal with the yens' appreciation.
On the reconstruction, Noda called for public unity, stating that everyone, not only the government, should take a share of the responsibility. He has openly said that Japan should use nuclear energy safely and effectively in the long term. He agrees that nuclear power technology should continue to be exported.
Given the DPJ's current situation and the poor performance of the government following the earthquake, Noda proposed a coalition government with the Liberal Democratic Party and the Clean Government Party before the election. Irrespective of the LDP's position, at least Noda and the high ranking members of DPJ have agreed that the strong public support enjoyed by the party at the beginning of its administration had gone. The DPJ has to gain enough political tolerance and support through coalition to avoid another short-lived cabinet.
Some Japanese media have commented that, when it comes to foreign affairs, Noda lacks ability, and can be hawkish at times. However, no matter what he may have said previously, now that he is prime minister he must follow his predecessor's diplomatic example, particularly when his cabinet is weak.
Because there have been so many changes at the top, the new cabinet cannot generate public support simply with a new cabinet alone. Noda knows this, and has previously spoken on TV about the public's indifference towards, and even dislike of, politics. However, according to local media, the DPJ, as a young party, has shown that it is short of leadership now. Only strong and talented leadership will capture the public's imagination and lead to new and effective policies.
Therefore, a new cabinet alone cannot bring new politics. As a result, this rather half-baked administration is simply new wine in old bottles.
(This post was published in Chinese and translated by Li Shen.)
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