Dear SSJ Forum,


The Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS) at Temple University,
Japan Campus cordially invites you to the following public lecture on June
26, 2019. All ICAS events are held in English, open to the public,and
admission is free unless otherwise noted.

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Reiwa One: A Political Outlook
 - Michael Cucek, Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science,Temple
University Japan campus and ICAS Adjunct Fellow
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- June 26, 2019, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
- Temple University, Japan Campus, Azabu Hall, 1F Parliament
- Registration: icas@tuj.temple.edu
* Registration is encouraged, but not required.


Overview:
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has presided over a long lived, durable
administration -- in defiance of recent tradition and contrary to the
expectations of many. He had a testy first year in office. His Cabinet
suffered serious declines in popularity during the years the Diet was
considering the Specially Designated Secrets Act and the collective
security enabling legislation. Nevertheless Abe and his administration have
prevailed, with ministers serving long terms. Furthermore, the once reputed
impatient and reactionary hothead has transformed into a reliable defender
of the liberal international order, liberal economics and liberal social
policy. A famous blowout loser in 2007, he has led his party to victory
after victory in elections since 2012.


With another nation election fast approaching and the looming shadow of a
rise in the consumption tax in October, what is the outlook for Abe Shinzo
and his LDP? Do Abe and his party have a clear path to victory? Will they
compress the political calendar to take advantage of the surprisingly
chipper public mood? Or do the perpetually-in-disarray opposition parties
have a viable plan to interfere Mr. Abe's and the LDP's plans? And what
factors are in play regarding the consumption tax rise? Michael Cucek offer
his analysis and opinions of the year ahead in Japanese politics and policy