Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Looking UnhappyPolitics, it seems, is much like the WWE. Ministers change sides, fight, grand stand and beat each other with (metaphorical) chairs in an endless drama with the same type of ebbs and flows one expects to see in a daytime soap opera. Regardless of nation, the issues are essentially the same. Japan is no exception.

Since winning the majority of the upper house in January, the leader of the opposition, Mr. Ichiro Ozawa, has gone from a man I thought would be a catalyst for change, to being a selfish little baby who gives little regard to Japan as a nation and the role we’re expected to play internationally. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, on the other hand, has gone from a soft spoken man with no real political agenda to a fired up individual who, on the surface, seriously wants to accomplish the promises he made to the party last year.

Abandoning his usual style of quiet indignation, Prime Minister Fukuda went on the offensive during Wednesday’s session of question-time. During the 45-minute debate with opposition leader Ozawa, Fukuda repeatedly used his answers to criticize the Democratic Party of Japan.

Ozawa, who was unaccustomed to but welcomed the challenge, reiterated his opinions despite their growing unpopularity. The confrontational atmosphere is growing ahead of the coming battle over the provisional higher gasoline tax, and it’s great to see the Prime Minister is willing to fight for what he believes to be worthy goals.

“I Have A Lot More Things I Want To Say To You” - Prime Minister Fukuda

The Japanese Prime Minister grilled his main opposition for most of the question period, demanding justification for the rejection of three Bank of Japan Governor nominees, the provisional gas tax, and the political deadlock in the Parliament.

Ozawa insisted the government and ruling camp were responsible for the political impasses that have recently plagued Tokyo, to which the PM fired back “I’m having a frustratingly difficult time in dealing with the Diet.” Even after the Diet session, Fukuda was still openly aggrivated by the DPJ president, telling reporters that he wasn’t convinced of anything his opponent said.

This Is How It Should Be

It’s about time that the Japanese Prime Minister dropped his mild-mannerisms and assumed a stronger role. The leader of a major economic power should not be seen as a meek individual, or at the mercy of those who hold lower offices. This isn’t to say that the Prime Minister should have dictatorial powers, but instead should have a strong vision of the future with the passion to make those ideas become reality. In the world of politics, very little has been accomplished by asking nicely.

In less than 90 days the G8 summit meeting will be held in Hokkaido and, as the host nation, Japan cannot come to the table with a leader unable to make committments for fear of another Diet impasse. If there is any doubt in the leadership from the other seven members of this exclusive economics club, the consequences for this country could be dire. To that end, it would be in Japan’s best interest if opposition leader Ozawa would keep his mouth shut for a few months.

Of course, knowing Ozawa, he’ll be back on the offensive when the Prime Minister returns from France next week.