Japan - post-election

Thorough change promised by new government

Article published on the 2009-08-31 Latest update 2009-09-07 14:02 TU

Winds of change in Japanese politics
(Photo: Reuters)

In Japan, Yukio Hatoyama is gearing up to take over from Taro Aso as the country’s Prime Minister. The Liberal Democratic government had been in power since 1955.

“The Democratic Party of Japan really wants to present itself as a party of the people in contrast to the Liberal Democratic Party, which is very much seen as being run by old men in dark suits who do back room deals,” says correspondent Julian Ryall.

Hatoyama has "a younger slightly fresher newer look and perhaps has been around western politics much longer,” he says.

“He got a lot of support from woman voters and definitely got a lot of support from young voters, he really did capture that segment of the electorate and put it to best use.”

A record 54 women won seats in Japan’s elections although parliamentary representation, at 11 per cent, still remains low by developed world standards.

“The economy here is still very weak, all the figures show that it is coming out of recession is going to be gradual it’s going to be very very slow. It will take like seven years before we get back to a decent rate of growth,” says Ryall

United States President Barack Obama called on Japan to maintain its strong ties and Asia-Pacific countries are also seeking a stronger bond out of this political shift.

But there may be changes in the US-Japan relationship, Ryall explains.

“The new Prime Minister has suggested that he wanted to move away from the United States, making something of the relationship more balanced more fair. Previously it was felt that America was in charge and Japan jumped to their tune.”

"Mr Hatoyama has states that he would prefer to be close to his Asian neighbours" but “Japan still needs America’s military backing  particularly with North Korea on the door step.”

North Korea has again called for Japan to break with its “crooked” past and apologise for forcing Asian women to work in brothels during World War II.

Japan’s next Prime Minister is also a keen supporter of better ties with Moscow although this doesn’t mean the territorial dispute between the two countries will be resolved easily.