Japan breaks with tradition

TOKYO – A handful of members of Japan’s new cabinet are policymakers groomed at a school for leaders, a sign Prime Minister Naoto Kan wants to break from the tradition of appointing lawmakers from powerful political dynasties.

Four out of 18 members of the new cabinet, including Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, studied at the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management where most students have no political connections.Alumni of the school are known for being policy experts, in contrast to the large number of lawmakers hailing from Japan’s many political dynasties which often anoint sons, daughters or in-laws to take over family-held seats when elections take place.’The cabinet line-up sends out the message that the new leadership wants change, that it chose a team of ministers who like policy-making and studying,’ said Noritada Matsuda, associate professor of political science at the University of Kitakyushu.Japan’s dynastic tradition has been a big factor behind the lack of strong political leaders because it floods the system with lawmakers of questionable ability and stifles potential leaders without connections and campaign money, analysts say.Unlike many of predecessors, Kan is also not from a political family, having started in politics as a grassroots activist.Founded in 1979 by the late Konosuke Matsushita, who set up the electronics firm now called Panasonic, the Matsushita Institute has trained more than 200 students, funding their research and living expenses in exchange for writing reports.A three-year programme also includes activities such as Japanese fencing and Zen meditation, which students say helps clear the head before making tough decisions.The school now boasts 70 politicians among its alumni, many who embrace free markets and conservative security policy. – Nampa-Reuters