Like a game of go

摘要

The saga that has brought politics in Japan to a halt is nearing its crisis. In July the Democratic Party of Japan (dpj) won control of the upper house of the Diet (parliament) from the Liberal Democratic Party (ldp), which still controls the lower house and governs in coalition with New Ko-meito, a junior partner. Unlike counterparts in many democracies, Japan's upper house has formidable powers. The constitution never envisaged a split parliament, with the upper house able to veto nearly every government bill. The government could overrule a veto with its two-thirds' majority in the lower house. Yet this weapon has not been used in 50 years, and may backfire, particularly if the public deems its use unwarranted.