Even if Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi manages to see New Year's Day pass without serious Y2K problems, a big decision lies ahead of him — when to dissolve the Lower House and call a general election.
While considering the political and diplomatic schedules in the coming months, Obuchi must select a time for the elections before Oct. 19, when the four-year terms of the Lower House members expire.
Speculation is rife about the timing. Guesses include: late January, immediately after the regular Diet session starts; late March, when the fiscal 2000 budget is expected to clear the Diet; or after the Group of Eight summit, to be held in Okinawa July 21-23.