Japan PM candidate Koizumi talks of change, but rivals could alter U.S. diplomacy

during past decades, politicians who say "reform" "change" appeared one after another in Japan. but, they were mere convenient for large corporations or arms industries, only disrespect democracy, exhausted society, weakened public services and victimized life or future of general citizen.

Koizumi demonstrated his close relations with Washington in July when he spent a day surfing with the U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel.

Great resume material.

"Among the current top three candidates, Koizumi would probably be the most favorable if the U.S. had a say," said Jeffrey Hornung, Japan Lead for the RAND National Security Research Division. "He is young, and he doesn't have the governing experience and so the easiest path is to move forward with what's already working."

This statement assumes a lot:

What currently is "already working", is.

It isn't.

He's also saying the quiet part out loud:

Has no experience, and is easily influenced.

IMO,

A Japan first, conservative thinker, with common sense ideas

rather than another globalist place holder, would serve Japan well.

Koizumi who pledges reform went courting to Aso who still maintains his faction even when others have given it up in the name of reform. Already showing his two faced nature driven by his entitled ego. Environmental issues need to be sexy...yep that's what Koizumi said when he was environmental minister. Wouldn't be surprised if the LDP chose Koizumi or Takaichi just to show that they are changing by voting in someone young or the first woman PM. Gag me with a spoon!

"Wouldn't be surprised if the LDP chose Koizumi or Takaichi just to show that they are changing by voting in someone young or the first woman PM."

JT poster 'dbsaiya' has hit the nail on the head with an accurate prediction of LDP strategy! ...but no spoon for you!

On the campaign trail in Okinawa, Ishiba said he would seek more oversight over how Washington uses those bases. He also wants Washington to give Japan a say in how it would use nuclear weapons in Asia.

Unlikely to get the former and really unlikely to get the latter. What exactly is he trying to do with the US's nuclear policy? The weapons are already not allowed into Japan.

Diplomacy vs meddling

Japan cannot do political reforming by herself, that is not feasible, Mr.Koizumi. The LDP is a puppet regieme of America, what she is doing everyday is appeasement of the Americans, nothing else !

Koizumi is too young to have any experience to run a country.

Rather than old farts that are too senile to make a decision. That has proved a amazing success for the last 20 years!