Looking at the Koizumi re-election process it is probably difficult for most gaijin to understand the rules of Japanese politics.
Rule 1 is that (with rare exception post-World War II) is that the Liberal Democratic Party runs the show, even if it has to rely on tiny LDP clone parties and the Soka Gakkai Buddhist cult to govern.
Rule 2 is that the Liberal Democratic Party is neither Liberal, nor Democratic nor a party. It is a collection of factions and cliques united only in their desire to have power. There is no common idealogy, although they are most certainly not Communists nor Socialists.
Rule 3 is that LDP members join tribes to enter in symbiotic relationships with special interest groups -- rice farmers, construction companies and transportation firms being the most lucrative.
Rule 4 is LDP members, based on their tribes, wield influence over a particular ministry, except the Foreign Ministry. That ministry is considered to be so unimportant (it has no constituency) that virtually no politician bothers with it. Thus the state of Japan's foreign affairs and the state of its scandal-ridden Foreign Ministry.
Rule 5 is if you violate the Foreign Ministry clause in Rule 4 you will likely end up going to jail for accepting bribes as no one in the government or media will protect you.
Rule 6 is patience. When your father dies you will get his seat in Parliament. Live long enough, stay in the LDP and kiss the right o-shiri and you will get your Cabinet post.
2003.08.26
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