Japan Poised to Vote for Change

"It is widely anticipated that Japan's main opposition, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), will win a national election scheduled on August 30. The question for the U.S. and other countries is what kind of changes that will bring to Tokyo's foreign policy," says Asia Society Associate Fellow Ayako Doi. "DPJ leaders have talked about ending the way Japan has rubberstamped U.S. policy in the past, and about setting a more independent course on a variety of issues. Though the party is trying to assure Japan's allies that there will be no sudden break with the past, Japan handlers in Washington should expect a distinct change in tone."

Ayako is in the Washington, DC area. Please contact the Asia Society Communications Department at [email protected] or 212-327-9271 to arrange an interview or media appearance.