Man of the hour: Ryutaro Hashimoto takes the LDP's helm

Article Abstract:

Japanese Trade and Industry Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto became president of the dominant Liberal Democratic Party on Sep 25, 1995 but major political changes remain possible. The next general elections, likely to be held early in 1996, will follow a new system that could eliminate half the incumbents from the national government. Furthermore, while Hashimoto plans to maintain ties with the other parties now in the ruling coalition, that body is increasingly strained. After the election, the LDP may seek new partners, if it does well.

Officials and employees, Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)

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Creative tensions: Hashimoto's cabinet looks unenthused about reform

Article Abstract:

Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto has promised a radical government shake up, but his 18 member cabinet, introduced on Nov 7, 1996 does not look like it has been picked for a reform agenda. Hashimoto has pledged to cut the number of government agencies by half and completely reform the Ministry of Finance, with the aim of shifting power from the bureaucracies to the private sector. A financial deregulation package is to be implemented by 2001, although similar proposals have been discussed previously, and then shelved.

Political reform

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Bring on the clowns

Article Abstract:

Gubernatorial victories for an ex-comedian and a former comedy writer in Japan signal trouble for the major political parties, which lost heavily in Apr 9 elections. Yukio Aoshima won in Tokyo and Nokku Yokoyama in Osaka; both are long-time members of the upper house of parliament who ran as independents. Aoshima did not campaign at all, and Yokoyama did so by bicycle. Only 55.1% of voters turned out, perhaps due to media concentration on an official investigation of the Aum Shinrikyo cult.

Elections, Tokyo, Japan, Social Democratic Party (Japan)

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