US alarm over crisis in Tokyo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE Clinton administration is watching with deepening anxiety the turn of political events in Japan following the surprise resignation on Friday of Morihiro Hosokawa, the country's reform-minded Prime Minister. Mr Hosokawa, elected last year on pledges to clean up corruption and the political process in Japan, stepped down after conceding that he was tainted by exactly the kind of scam he had been denouncing.
President Clinton had great hopes that Mr Hosokawa could finally make progress in opening up the Japanese market to foreign exports.
The American ambassador to Tokyo, former vice-president Walter Mondale, publicly mourned Mr Hosokawa's demise. 'Here is a guy who offered a new Japan,' he said. 'There was such hope.'
Washington is now worried that progress towards reform will be halted by a long period of political stalemate in Japan as the ruling coalition searches for a new leader. Foreign Minister Tsutomu Hata emerged yesterday as the front-runner. But although he is also committed to political change, he may not be acceptable to the socialists in the coalition.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments