Japan's new prime minister, Taro Aso, must quickly devise a realistic plan to reform Japan's economy and justify its global role if he and his Liberal Democratic Party are to survive.

Japan's new prime minister, Taro Aso, must quickly devise a realistic plan to reform Japan's economy and justify its global role if he and his Liberal Democratic Party are to survive.

Japan is in for a rough ride in the coming months, and the United States may have significant problems with its key Asian ally.

Whether Ichiro Ozawa's fundraising foibles will doom his party's chances to reshape Japan's political map remains to be seen.

This churn in Tokyo makes it almost impossible for U.S. and Japanese leaders to forge a stable working relationship. It is becoming a strain on ties between the two Pacific allies, and is one reason Japan has slipped off the radar in Washington. Yet the two partners need each other more than ever, given the common challenges they face, from economic stagnation to continued instability in East Asia.

Six-party talks on North Korea will be worthless without verification.

What made Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, resign?

The United States cannot afford to ignore Japan--especially this year.