Crucial time for ties

The coming and going of prime ministers in Japan is not only a matter for that country. It interests the rest of the world as each new prime minister comes with his own distinct set of policies.

Taro Aso, who became Japan's prime minister yesterday, will likely have no choice but to focus more on domestic issues.

Poor management of these issues forced his predecessor Yasuo Fukuda to resign earlier this month. These issues will shape the new prime minister's diplomatic agenda.