070831JapanConsideredPodcastVolume03Number31

August 31, 2007. Volume 03, Number 31 Click here for a transcript of this program. Welcome again to the Japan Considered Podcast. This week our focus is on the reshuffle of the Abe Cabinet. and the significance of that reshuffle for Japan's domestic politics and conduct of international relations. I've been able to persuade three specialists in the field to join us today as commentators. First Mr. Gregg Rubinstein gives his thoughts on the significance of all this for the Ministry of Defense, and its conduct of its mission. Then Dr. Edward Lincoln provides his thoughts on the economic appointments -- both domestic and international. And Dr. Dennis Yasutomo discusses the implications of the reshuffle for Japan's conduct of foreign relations, in broader perspective. I'd planned to add my own commentary on the effect of the reshuffle on Japan's domestic politics. But the contributions of our guest commentators went a bit longer than expected. All good material, so I didn't feel comfortable cutting it. You'll hear from me next week. Keep in mind, this just happened. So these are only preliminary thoughts on the subject. We may well see dramatic changes in the near future.