Topic: Taro Aso

Why Hatoyama - and many Japanese prime ministers - stumbled

Yukio Hatoyama is Japan's fourth prime minister in a row to last for less than a year, and the 14th to hold the post in 21 years. Many PMs have risen as part of a political dynasty without having to hone leadership skills.

Japan's next PM: change agent, but he's no Obama

Yukio Hatoyama comes from four generations of politicians from the ruling LDP, which his DPJ party just ousted from power.

Japan's opposition touts fresh faces in bid for election victory

The Democratic Party of Japan has promoted women and younger candidates who have not risen through traditional routes to power.

Japan ready to vote in major shift in leadership?

National polls Sunday could oust the long-ruling Liberal Democrats. Voter participation is expected to be high.

Japan's ruling LDP lays out its campaign platform

Prime Minister Aso's long-ruling party is under fire as polls indicate strong support for the opposition Democratic Party of Japan. The vote is Aug. 30.

Japan's embattled ruling party sets date for election

The Aug. 30 vote could end its nearly uninterrupted half century in power.

Japan and China making historic amends, one humdrum trip at a time

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso ended a two-day trip to Beijing Thursday. Both countries affirmed their desire to cooperate but avoided troublesome topics.

German magazine bags Obama 'confession' at G-20

Was there a touch of schadenfreude in the ensuing frenzy of commentary?

As North Korea rocket launch nears, US allies discuss options

At the G-20 summit, the US, Japan, and South Korea are attempting to win backing for a Security Council resolution against North Korea.

Clinton to Japan: You're our 'cornerstone'

Is Japan minister's resignation final straw for economy?

US Navy captures suspected pirates in Gulf of Aden

The seven men arrested will be turned over to Kenya, which plans to set up a court to try pirates.

Economic stimulus plans now global phenomenon

At least 34 countries have plans, worth a total of $2.25 trillion.

Reporters on the Job

World

Japan quietly seeks global leadership niches

The island nation seeks to carve out a bigger role in world affairs as a 'soft power.'

Manga: Another way of seeing the world

Japan cracking US pop culture hegemony

Japan is quietly emerging as a global trendsetter in pop culture, as well as in green technology and environmental practices.

Recession hits Japan's part-time workers

Sony said Tuesday it will let 16,000 employees go – half of them from its temporary staff.

World

World

Is North Korea set to come off US terror-sponsor list?

Report says it could happen today, but Japan opposes the plan.

World

Japan's ruling party hopes Aso will restore its reputation

As a popular politician, Olympian, and fan of manga comics, Taro Aso contrasts sharply with the lackluster former prime minister, whose shoes he is likely to fill on Wednesday.