This weeks election in Japan delivered a startling result. The deeply conservative voters finally pushed the Liberal Democratic Party ( LDP ) from power - after almost a half century of unbroken rule.
The world has changed in fifty years, but it seems that those clinging to power became incapable of moving with the times. Japan was a world leader several decades ago, wowing us with electronics and all manner of consumer goods - including a domination of the world car industry.
We remember the days when plane loads of Japanese tourists could be seen gathering outside the best hotels, preparing for a days sight seeing. Japan was wealthy - and it's prosperous citizens wanted to see the world.
It was all downhill from there. The birth rate has dropped and Japan faces an ageing future with a sagging economy. The day of vibrant, new start ups has passed and it seems that this recession has been the final straw. The impetus has gone - and many people blame that on the lack of government direction.
The Democratic Party of Japan ( DPJ ) promises to inject new life and new directions to turn things around. They will need to act quickly and be decisive, because once the voters have found the courage to make political change they are unlikely to start another round of conservative thinking. The mood is likely to demand performance - or " throw the bums out ! "
A renewed Japan is just what the world needs. This recession seems to be fading, but there are still uncertainties and a Japanese economy languishing in the doldrums is not helping.
It is also a hint to other countries to review the tenure of government before the sloth sets in !
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