Japan's Ongoing Political Instability: Implications for U.S. Interests

Description

The surprise election of Socialist Party leader Tomiichi Murayama as Prime Minister on June 29, 1994, reflects an ongoing process of change and realignment in Japanese politics that, in the short term, has made the management of U.S.-Japan relations significantly more difficult and impeded the resolution of important issues. Although Murayama has pledged continuity in U.S.-Japan relations, and key cabinet posts have been given to senior LDP leaders with experience in dealing with Washington, his election could have a number of negative implications for U.S. interests. Among other possibilities, the change could temporarily set back the cause of political reform … continued below

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Cronin, Richard P. July 8, 1994.

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Description

The surprise election of Socialist Party leader Tomiichi
Murayama as Prime Minister on June 29, 1994, reflects an ongoing
process of change and realignment in Japanese politics that, in the
short term, has made the management of U.S.-Japan relations
significantly more difficult and impeded the resolution of
important issues. Although Murayama has pledged continuity in
U.S.-Japan relations, and key cabinet posts have been given to
senior LDP leaders with experience in dealing with Washington, his
election could have a number of negative implications for U.S.
interests. Among other possibilities, the change could temporarily
set back the cause of political reform in Japan, further delay the
recovery of the Japanese economy from a three-year long slump, pose
new obstacles to trade negotiations aimed at more fully opening
Japanese markets to U.S. goods and services, and bring into
question Tokyo's cooperation under certain scenarios on the issue
of North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The likely hiatus in
major decisionmaking may continue at least until the next general
election.

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Congressional Research Service Reports

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is the public policy research arm of Congress. This legislative branch agency works exclusively for Members of Congress, their committees and their staff. This collection includes CRS reports from the mid-1960's through 2018—covering a variety of topics from agriculture to foreign policy to welfare.

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  • July 8, 1994

Added to The UNT Digital Library

  • June 12, 2005, 1:07 a.m.

Description Last Updated

  • July 16, 2020, 12:52 a.m.

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Cronin, Richard P. Japan's Ongoing Political Instability: Implications for U.S. Interests, report, July 8, 1994; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs148/: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.

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