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.

The Japanese military is emerging from decades of pacifism. But do the country's political leaders have the vision and the will to make the country strong again?

At this AEI event, Taro Kono (LDP) will offer his vision for what Japan needs to win its future, followed by a panel discussion with AEI and Japanese scholars.

Noda's most important challenge will be an apathetic citizenry that has lost faith in its leaders and whose demand for competent leadership from the DPJ has been dashed by the failure of former prime ministers Kan and Yukio Hatoyama.

The country needs a radical reformer more than ever, but the chances of one emerging are mixed. It is the same faces that are struggling for power, while the public loses confidence in any of Japan's elected officials.

In Japan, the time is right for political regeneration; a new political organization could help Japan build a stable, two-party democratic system.

Japan's voters resoundingly voted for change and a new direction for their country; can the untested, if inspirational, Democratic Party of Japan deliver?