HONOLULU, EAST-WEST WIRE — Japan entered a new political era last week after Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) head Yukio Hatoyama took over as prime minister. The long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is severely and possibly permanently crippled, and facing a leadership crisis.

But it is not certain what this new era heralds or how much will really be new. Like his last three short-lived (LDP) predecessors, Hatoyama is the relatively colorless heir of a family dynasty. A privileged botchan, he is the fourth prime minister in a row to descend from a former prime minister.

His Cabinet of 16 men and two women is strikingly similar to the previous LDP one in age and gender composition. The party's secretary general, political operative Ichiro Ozawa, has many of the characteristics associated with traditional politicians, including a penchant for scandals and back-room deals. The trial of an aide begins soon.