The Liberal Democratic Party has ruled Japan since it was established in 1955 -- except for 11 months in 1993 and 1994. Last month it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding.

The LDP has changed drastically since maverick politician Junichiro Koizumi was elected its president and prime minister in 2001. Koizumi expressed his determination to crush the party if it did not support him. It looks as though Koizumi is tearing the party apart. The party's old power structure was the largest hurdle Koizumi's structural reform had to overcome.

How will the LDP change after Koizumi's term as LDP president (and prime minister) ends next September?