Ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) outlines its determination to rebuild the nation's finances; Kan survives no confidence motion in Parliament; Kan announces his decision not to visit Yasukuni Shrine during his tenure;
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    • In recent developments Ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) led by Prime Minister Kan has outlined its determination to rebuild the nation's finances and slash its deficit in its new manifesto ahead of upper house elections next month. Kan changed course from his predecessor Yukio Hatoyama, who had primarily focused on foreign policy shifts and higher social welfare spending. Kan called for a full debate on tax reform, including whether to hike sales tax.1 On the other hand he has survived a no-confidence motion after bitter exchanges in parliament kicked off campaigning for an upper house election next month. The conservative opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) moved the motion after the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) changed leaders last week, arguing the new prime minister had no popular mandate.2 The Prime Minister has also declared that he will make no controversial visit to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine during his tenure.3

    Meanwhile Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and PM Kan held a telephone conversation. This marked the official activation of the China-Japan prime ministerial hotline. Jiabao congratulated Kan on becoming Japan’s Premier. Jiabao also conveyed Chinese President’s greetings to him.4

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