090206JapanConsideredPodcastVol05No05

February 06, 2009, Volume 05, Number 05 Click here for the audio file of today's program Click here for a transcript of today's program Thanks for dropping by again today, to you long-time listeners. And a hearty South Carolina welcome to those of you who have found us for the first time. Each week, or most weeks, anyway, on this program we consider developments in the news concerning Japan's domestic politics and/or the formulation and implementation of foreign policies. This week we consider two recent international developments. Japan's recent dispute with Russia over the terms of access to one of the Northern Territories islands, Kunashiri. And the significance of what appears to be North Korea's latest missile diplomacy initiative. Following that we return to the even more turbulent environment of Japan's domestic politics. With brief consideration of the role prefectural and local individuals and organizations may play in sorting out the current mess in Nagatacho. Please continue to send your comments and suggestions to me at [email protected]. We've had a big increase in the volume of e-mailed comments recently. Thanks for the effort. They all help to improve the program.