Japanese voters have ousted the ruling LDP party after decades in the majority. While on the surface, this suggests major change, it is important to recognize the the winning DPJ party consists mostly of disaffected LDP members. So, while there is clearly change afoot, it may not be as dramatic as some expect.
But the “Obama effect” remains powerful. According to a story in Asahi.com, an English language Japanese news site:
The DPJ’s election campaign featured footage of U.S. President Barack Obama’s call for change during his presidential run. Even as Typhoon No. 11 approached eastern Japan on Sunday night, voters turned out in droves to show they were ready for a drastic change to help the slumping economy get back on the road to recovery.
At a time when there is grumbling in the U.S. as to whether Obama is bringing about sufficient change, his “brand” continues to drive politics throughout the world.
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