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Tokyo on fire discuss Trump!

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Like a groggy grizzly bear, Tokyo on Fire is back from hibernation in 2017! Are you ready for extra innings of inside baseball? We sure are!

This year’s Tokyo on Fire starts with looking at the US-Japan relationship, which is either huger than ever or on the skids depending on which pundit you ask. With the Japanese media already heavily reporting on President Trump moving into the White House and implementing many gold curtains (and some executive orders), the Tokyo visit of the new U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis will be closely watched. What’s the outlook for US-Japan cooperation in 2017?

In Tokyo, Governor Yuriko Koike is on a political crusade to conquer the upcoming Metropolitan Assembly elections to accelerate the demise of her enemies in the LDP old boys’ club. Her latest maneuver has broken all precedents and seems to be a slam dunk: she’s fielding 40 candidates as if she were starting a new political party, despite still being a member of the LDP. Will she succeed or will the old boys get their revenge? What’s going to happen in the Tokyo Met. Assembly elections?

The LDP-Komeito alliance, which has existed for the past 16 years, could be coming towards an end in the next national election. What’s the beef? If they part ways, what does this mean for the vitality of both parties?

As of last year, Prime Minister Abe seemed to be the only viable candidate for the PM post, and this was even further reinforced by the LDP’s decision to allow him a 3rd term to stay in power. However, the beginning of 2017 has shaken this up: it looks as if a new contender has emerged. Is post-Abe happening sooner rather than later?

Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in 2017’s first Tokyo on Fire!

Tags: Abe, Trump