InfoAnda - Japan's politics often a family business

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Angry Pakistani villagers fight and surround Taliban | 8 June 2009
After 100 years, gypsy jazzman Django plays on | 20 April 2010
FCC OKs temporary emergency broadcasts after DTV switch | Technology | | 16 January 2009

SKorean court clears officials over Lone Star sale | 24 November 2008

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Japan's politics often a family business

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Japan's politics often a family business AFP - Tuesday, July 28 YOKOSUKA, Japan (AFP) - - In Japan's election next month, the two candidates for the prime minister's post are carrying on a family battle that started in the 1950s when their grandfathers were premiers. ADVERTISEMENT The clash of the political bluebloods -- incumbent Taro Aso and his rival Yukio Hatoyama -- casts a spotlight on Japan's rich and powerful clans that have dominated, and some say stifled, post-war politics. About one third of Japan's parliamentarians are hereditary politicians -- often derided as "botchan" or "babies from rich families" -- who inherited their districts and fund-raising bodies from a relative, usually their father. In many areas, politics as a family business has all but shut out the possibility of fresh blood -- just ask Katsuhito Yokokume, a 27-year-old candidate for Hatoyama's opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). Yokokume, a lawyer and the son of a truck driver, has campaigned hard in Yokosuka, a port city south of Tokyo, hoping to wrest the seat from Aso's conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the August 30 election. But, even with the DPJ leading in the national polls, Yokokume -- who criss-crosses the constituency on his bicycle and chats with railway commuters day after day -- admits he is fighting an uphill battle. His opponent is Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of charismatic former premier Junichiro Koizumi, who ruled Japan until 2006. "Before discussing anything substantial about political pledges, I have to ask voters to remember my face and name in this Koizumi dynasty (area)," said Yokukume, who graduated from a top university in Tokyo on a scholarship. "I raised my hand to run in this constituency because what Mr. Koizumi has done is exactly the opposite of what I want to realise as a politician... I want to change politics to represent the views of ordinary people." When the elder Koizumi last year announced he would not contest his Diet seat again, he apologised to supporters for his "blind parental love" -- and then urged them to support his 28-year-old son and anointed successor. If elected, the younger Koizumi will be the district's fourth-generation representative -- carrying on what a local assemblyman derided as "a dynasty with a longer history than that of North Korea's Kim Jong-Il." Yokokume's hopes were lifted when an independent mayoral candidate in June beat the incumbent supported by Junichiro Koizumi -- but he is under no illusion that taking on one of Japan's political aristocracies will be easy. Criticism of the system has intensified especially since two recent LDP prime ministers -- Shinzo Abe and Yasuo Fukuda, respectively the grandson and son of former premiers -- unexpectedly quit after just one year in office each. "Since these resignation dramas of the past few years, the public image emerged that second- and third-generation politicians are spineless," said Tomoaki Iwai, professor of politics at Nihon University. "But the real problem with hereditary candidates is that they inherit their family members' political support groups, thus blocking newcomers from entering politics," the professor said. Many of Aso's current and former cabinet members come from political families, including former finance minister Shoichi Nakagawa, who quit in February after appearing drunk at a media conference. Few politicians epitomise the trend like Aso and Hatoyama, whose paternal grandfather Ichiro Hatoyama became the LDP's first premier in 1955, taking over from Aso's grandfather Shigeru Yoshida, who led a forerunner of the LDP. Hatoyama insists he is not a hereditary candidate because he has run in a constituency different from his father's. Responding to popular dissatisfaction with hereditary politics, the DPJ has pledged that, if it wins government, it would bar children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of its members from running in the same constituencies. The LDP has toyed with a similar policy this year, but the ruling party has so far made no official campaign pledge on the issue. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Asia Pacific Chief minister resigns in Indian KashmirAP - 2 hours 20 minutes ago Japan: Activist visit won't affect ties with ChinaAP - Wednesday, July 29 Gunman hits Afghan campaign teamAP - Wednesday, July 29 China allows rare glimpse inside PLA baseAFP - Wednesday, July 29 Greenpeace: China power companies hurting climateAP - Wednesday, July 29 Enlarge Photo Japan's politics often a family business Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Ex-boxing champ Forrest shot in back and killed Rich countries corner supplies of swine flu vaccine Lost love letter reunites couple after 16 years Massive quake moves NZealand closer to Australia Harry Patch, last veteran of World War I trenches, dies at 111 View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Tuesday, 28 July 2009
CORRECTED
Teamwork vital to fighting cyber crime: Microsoft
Mitchell tells Palestinians no deal yet with Israel | International |
Obama calls for US, China to shape future
US-TECH Summary
Ryanair returns to profit in first quarter
Music streaming service Spotify eyes Apple's iPhone
Revolutionary choreographer Cunningham dies
SKorean firms to jointly develop new chips
U.N. backs alternative Iraq war reparation schemes | International |
H1N1 flu spreads to remote corners of the world: WHO | International |
Arab human rights group barred for year by U.N. | International |
De facto leader says there was no coup in Honduras | International |
Seven Palestinians die in Gaza tunnel accident | International |
Indonesian presidential vote contested in court
Pandas face uncertain future after China quake
Nortel and RIM held wireless patent talks: source | Technology |
Indian court finds 3 guilty in 2003 Mumbai bombing
EBay to highlight top sellers to galvanize retail | Technology |
Gates warns of tough sanctions if Iran rebuffs US overture
Japan's opposition launches election manifesto
Report: 22 die in flooding in southwestern China
Records preservation sought in Pa. judge scandal
Putin's hard man image targeted by spoof Web song | Technology |
State media says 22 killed in flooding in China
US presses for concessions in Mideast peace drive
Erotic Madonna tapes, Hendrix contract in NY sale | Technology |
Suspect in deputies' deaths allegedly choked mom
Hong Kong fans in flash mob tribute to Jackson
Maine EMT struck by monster truck, saved by mud
Malaysia confirms 2nd swine flu-related death
Israeli officials: No option off table on Iran
Bus blast kills 6 paramilitary soldiers in India
Canon to streamline design, product data systems: report | Technology |
Missing toddler, baby found crying in OH trash can
Blasts hit Tajikistan ahead of high-profile summit
Tech distributors look forward to late 2009 bounce | Technology |
3 in Wyoming family found dead
Jury in favor of hospital that deported immigrant
Obama calls for US, China to shape future
India's Tata Motors Q1 profit leaps
'Girls Gone Wild' lawyer: NV bribe claim bogus
China, US officials see global economic recovery
Dragon Quest IX game sells 3m units in Japan
India's Tata Motors says profits up 57.5 percent
Japan to order Qualcomm to stop unfair practices
Indonesian twins born in single body with 2 heads
Erotic Madonna tapes, Hendrix contract in NY sale | Entertainment |
Hundreds of Vietnam Catholics march after arrests: priest
Choreographer Merce Cunningham dies at 90 | Entertainment |
IAC in new venture with NBC's Ben Silverman
Katharina Wagner's 'Meistersinger' booed in Bayreuth
Fans get first look at star-studded Iron Man 2 | Entertainment |
Fans get first peek at `Iron Man 2' at Comic-Con
Shakespeare's Globe to tour United States
TV panels at Comic-Con kept fans intrigued
CORRECTED: Tim Burton explores Alice in Wonderland | Entertainment |
Israeli FM calls for UN sanctions on Iran
Europe beats back wildfires, fears revival
US-TECH Summary
Britain ends Afghanistan offensive
Doctor gave Jackson drug that killed him: CNN
Lawyer gets last chance to argue Suu Kyi innocence | International |
Most want troops out of Afghanistan: UK survey
Time Warner informs SEC of plan to spin off AOL
Court rules guardian to study 'Octomom' kids cash
Court finds Iran minister guilty of fraud
Taser unveils multi-shot stun gun
Reform party makes gains among Iraq Kurds
Rare Angolan antelope tracked by research team
Aussie film festival website defaced amid Uighur row
Another upbeat sign: new US home sales up 11 pct
Agilent buying Varian for 1.5 bln dlrs
Haiti, Dominican Republic add troops on border | International |
Apple working on digital albums. tablet PC: sources
Tech distributors look to late 2009 bounce
Canon to streamline design, product data systems: report
U.S. charges seven with plotting attacks overseas | International |
Honduran Congress puts off vote on Zelaya return | International |
Putin's hard man image targeted by spoof Web song
eBay to reward top-rated sellers
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources | Technology |
Aussie film festival website defaced amid Uighur row | Technology |
Canada to take seal ban fight to WTO
AP source: Jackson doc gave him drug before death
State declares Obama birth certificate real, again
Mistrial declared in trial of child psychologist
Verizon Wireless seeks U.S. court judgment on ads | Technology |
Calif. mother to stand trial in toddler's death
Prosecutor: Dad killed girl to avoid child support
2 Minn. neighbors found dead in murder-suicide
Canon profit tumbles, nudges forecast higher | Technology |
Prosecutors: Wiretaps show mobster still dangerous
AirAsia X denied rights to Sydney, Seoul: report
Geithner, Wang say ties key to global recovery
Korea Hot Stocks-Doosan Infracore, shipping firms, Korea Zinc
S.Korea Aug corp sentiment hits over 1 yr high
S.Korea treasury bonds steady in cautious trade
Compal seen winning PC order from Acer -paper
Seoul shares open lower, take breather after gains
SAG votes to oppose Hollywood hospital closure
Top US officials seek to reassure Chinese
NZ stocks push through 3000 level to 9-month high
EU hits China with anti-dumping duties on steel wire rods
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources | Entertainment |
Rodents move center stage as cool new superheroes | Entertainment |
Choreographer Merce Cunningham dies at 90 | Entertainment |
Mariah Carey, Diddy, Lil Wayne albums delayed | Entertainment |
Fifth, Last Spacewalk Ends With One Task Missed
Paper Company, California Cities Top "Green Power" List
Gillibrand Convinces Senate Panel To Hold Hearing On "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Avril Lavigne ready to mellow out and sing | Entertainment |
Lifestyle change the way to beat US obesity: experts
Corzine Chooses Running Mate In Wake Of NJ Corruption Sweep
Publicist: Mischa Barton 'out of the hospital'
Cricket on the front foot, on the frontline
Shas Denies Links to New Jersey Money Laundering And Public Corruption Scandal
SAG votes to oppose Hollywood hospital closure
Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty Elected To Republican Governors Association Post
LA Police Arrest Man In Murder Of Teen
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Update: Obama Calls For Beijing To Open Markets, Support Climate Change Efforts
Avril Lavigne ready to "mellow out and sing"
Obama Welcomes Detroit Shock To White House
Plus-size dating show offers "More" emotion
Gates: U.S. Offer Of Talks To Iran Only Until September
Mariah Carey, Diddy, Lil Wayne albums delayed
AP NewsAlert
`G-Force' tops box office with fur-raising $31.7M
Insurgent bomb 'kills eight Afghan guards'
Deutsche Bank profits soar in firmer global climate
Gates in Iraq, says U.S. urban withdrawal going well | International |
Close Iran jail holding protesters: Khamenei orders
China's military cautiously tries out new openness | International |
"Ugly Betty" Actor Tony Plana Sued By Former Manager
Chris Tucker Owes California $3 Million In Taxes
U.S. envoy sees progress with Israel on peace push | International |
Kelsey Grammer's Plea Helps Keep Sister's Killer In Jail
Thousands shelter in barracks after Nigeria unrest | International |
Driver Charged In "American Idol" Wannabe's Hit-And-Run Death
Hezbollah sees progress on Lebanon government | International |
Iran's Khamenei orders closure of detention center | International |
Dance Choreographer Merce Cunningham Dies At Age 90
Over 120 rescued from Haitian migrant boat wreck | International |
Migrants to Italy face a kind of slavery: OIM | International |
Honduran Congress puts off vote on Zelaya return | International |
Pakistan rescues boys trained as suicide bombers | International |
Niche social sites seek growth under Facebook's shadow | Technology |
Sprint to buy Virgin Mobile USA | Technology |
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources | Technology |
Exiled Uighur leader visits Japan, angering Beijing
Britain publishes Twitter guide for ministers | Technology |
Indonesian identifies husband as terror suspect
American father, sons accused of plotting jihad
AP sources: Only 1 in 7 agencies to get police aid
Suu Kyi verdict set for Friday in Myanmar
Testimony: Sens. Conrad, Dodd told of VIP loans
Japan's politics often a family business
Australia vows crackdown on Indian student rip-offs
China bans online games which glamorize gangs | Technology |
Senate panel to approve Obama Supreme Court pick
US pulls plug on its Havana news ticker
Lesbians in China petition to donate blood
Study: Texts while driving even more dangerous
Toxic chemical found in killer Bangladeshi drug
Man pleads not guilty in stolen violin case
China could rival England on pitch, says Scudamore
Suu Kyi trial enters final day
NZ judge rejects drink driver's swine flu defense
Seoul shares end firm, helped by banks, airlines
China probes plant manager's death: govt
Japan's Hitachi posts first-quarter loss
China bans 'mafia-style' online games: state media
S.Korea large firms' sentiment at 19-mth high -FKI
Erotic Madonna tapes, Hendrix contract in NY sale | Entertainment |
Rodents move center stage as cool new superheroes | Entertainment |
AP source: Michael Jackson's inner sanctum chaotic
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources | Entertainment |
France's Gamma photo agency on brink of collapse | Entertainment |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01