House of Councillors elections in 2010 would be crucial for Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama ; Japan and the United States to develop the F-35 next- generation stealth fighter; Japan and Russia establish a vice-ministerial subcommittee on trade and investmen
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    • Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will face a crucial test in 2010 as the Democratic Party of Japan-led government heads toward the House of Councillors elections this summer. His leadership qualities have already been challenged and therefore the stakes are high for the 62-year-old prime minister and the DPJ as reports noted. Presently, the DPJ controls the Upper House with the help of its junior coalition partners. In case his party wins a majority in the Upper House, theoretically, it will be able to run the government without heeding what the coalition partners say, or even dispense with their support if needed.1

    Amongst other developments, Japan and the United States are contemplating Tokyo's participation in a multinational project to develop the F-35 next- generation stealth fighter. The move is intended to clear the way for Japan to introduce the F-35 as its mainstay fighter jet in future as countries who are not participating in the joint development would not be allowed to acquire it in near future.2

    Meanwhile, there were reports which suggest that Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and Russian Industry and Trade Minister Victor Khristenko agreed to establish a vice-ministerial subcommittee on trade and investment to expand bilateral economic ties.3

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