Japanese PM will not resign.

July 12, 2004
JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he would not resign despite the apparent gains by the opposition in today's election for the upper house of Parliament.
The premier had suffered from sagging support ratings in recent weeks over the dispatch of Japanese troops to Iraq and a much-criticised reform of the national pension system.
news.com.au...

Seems like a lot of Gov' are in 'damage mode' at the same time.

Sanc'.

Is it me or does the Japanese PM look like the Chairman guy on Iron Chef?

Well, Koizumi had made allot of promises for changes in Japan. He had overwhelming support when he got elected. The problem is that he spoke a good game, but then it came down to it, he belongs to the Ole Boys Club. There has been very little change n growth and he has not pushed anything to get through. Yes, the constitution in Japan does not allow Japanese troops into combat zones. Only for humanitarian and for defense alone. Koizumi is very pro-USA and also the Japanese government was pressured by the US to change the constitution. Now, changing the constitution was not what the Japanese wanted to do and it was very very unpopular over here. Many Japanese feel that the government was pushed to send the troops by Washington for help with N Korea. So, with a combination of all of that, his ratings have fallen. But, this happens allot in Japan as well. Many Prime Ministers resign. Most speak a good game, but then end up not producing anything, then the people get upset. It is a vicious circle over here. Koizumi has only lasted this long, because the old women over here like the way he looks, so they all vote for him. ha ha (true though). Next, int he beginning, everyone thought... WOW, finally someone will make a difference.. But, he has really produced nothing.

Now, the allegations about Washington, that I have listed above are just what many people think. No one is really sure of truth, but that is just what many feel. It has allot to do with Japanese history. They have been in many wars and people hate to see anything move back towards that direction. In many ways I have to agree. If countries would just worry about themselves, then things would be much better in this world.

Peace