Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama announced his resignation this week, leading to the first major leadership challenge for the ruling Democratic Party of Japan since taking office in a landslide last year. The selection of Kan was not unexpected, but highlights a number of more subtle, long-term trends in Japan’s post-war evolution.
The cherry blossom season holds a lot of importance in Japan. It’s a sign of beauty and life, but it’s also a social occasion across the country. I did a bit more hanami, or flower viewing, this year than I was able to last year, and had an excellent experience at the famous castles of Osaka and Himeji.
