Japan's New Ruling Party Forms Coalition Government Amidst Tensions with US

Japan's Democratic Party of Japan is forming a coalition government with two smaller groups, the Social Democratic Party and People's New Party, despite disagreements on foreign policy and the presence of US Marines on Okinawa, party leaders announced Wednesday. This alliance paves the way for Democratic Party leader Yukio Hatoyama to form a new cabinet, with Hatoyama likely to become Japan's next prime minister.

Key Takeaways:

• The Democratic Party of Japan, led by Yukio Hatoyama, will form a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party and People's New Party, replacing the outgoing Liberal Democrats.
• The parties have disparate views on defense issues and foreign policy, particularly regarding the relocation of the US-Marine airfield in Okinawa.
• The coalition agreement allows for coordination on domestic issues such as medical care for the elderly, climate change, and tax policy.
• The parties have agreed to work together on setting government policies and strategies, with expected cabinet positions for Hirohisa Fujii, Naoto Kan, Mizuho Fukushima, and Shizuka Kamei.
• The coalition government is expected to prioritize closer ties with Asia while maintaining close relations with the US.

Statistics:

• The Democratic Party of Japan won a sweeping victory in elections on August 30 for the 480-seat lower house of Parliament.
• The Liberal Democrats, which have governed Japan for over 50 years, were ousted by the Democratic Party of Japan.
• 50,000 US troops are stationed in Japan under the current security alliance.

Sources:

• "Japan's new ruling party forms coalition." The Daily Star, 2009.
• "Japan's Democratic Party of Japan Wins Sweeping Victory." Associated Press, 2009.
• "US Marine Airfield on Okinawa: Japan's Ruling Party at Odds." Lightspeed Media Corporation, 2009.