Time appears to be ripe for a complete overhaul of the Japanese political landscape, but it is utterly impossible to predict how political parties will line up after the next general election.
When Prime Minister Taro Aso came to power in September, it appeared all but certain that he would soon dissolve the Lower House and call an election, but he has since decided to put off such action at least until the turn of the year, saying now is no time to create a political vacuum in view of the financial crisis playing havoc throughout the world.
With the election likely to take place in the not-too-distant future, nonetheless, neither the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) nor the No. 1 opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) appears capable of winning a majority in the Lower House. That would necessitate a thorough reorganization of political parties. Before such reorganization, Japan badly needs two things: a new, powerful political leadership and a national vision that appeals to citizens.