NBR has just released a new Q&A with Richard J. Samuels
(MIT) that gives insight into the DPJ's political strategy and the challenges the next administration will face after Prime Minister Kan steps down. A link to the Q&A and a summary are below.

"Japan After Kan: Implications for the DPJ's Political Future"

Q&A with Richard J. Samuels, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Link: http://m.nbr.org/o1mOoP

SUMMARY

In the face of record-low approval ratings and continuing public backlash regarding his performance following the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake, Prime Minister Naoto Kan has agreed to step down after three key pieces of legislation pass through the Japanese Diet.

Although Kan's resignation may assist the Democratic Party of Japan
(DPJ) in rebuilding public trust in its ability to lead, questions remain about the future of the DPJ and the political structure of Japan as it stands today.

In an interview with NBR, Richard J. Samuels (Massachusetts Institute of
Technology) provides insight into the DPJ, its political strategy, and who may step up to be Japan's next leader.

Read the full interview to learn the answers to these
questions:

- How has the March 2011 earthquake affected the DPJ?

- Who are the viable candidates to lead the next administration?

- In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, what is Kan's energy policy agenda and how will it change following his departure?

Read now: http://m.nbr.org/o1mOoP

Tracy Timmons-Gray
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Seattle, WA