Japan's dilemma

SOME believe Japan is in danger of becoming the Italy of Asia. For a country still coming to grips with a changing economic climate and facing a possible trade war with the United States, another leadership crisis could not have come at a worst time.

For almost four decades, the Liberal Democratic Party has dominated Japan's political landscape and managed to do just about everything except live up to its name. It has been the party of big business and the status quo.

Now rebels have divided the party so effectively many believe the July 18 general election will bring its 38-year monopoly on power to an end as the traditional power bases dissolve into rival splinter groups.

While many welcome the changes that seem almost inevitable as Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa heads towards political oblivion, others may question the timing of this latest bombshell.

Japan's importance as an economic power means her domestic dilemmas are world problems. What the country needs now is political stability and strong leadership, not division and turmoil.