Ozawa's Grip on Power Slipping Fast

Ichiro Ozawa may be days away from stepping down as head of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan after a scandal implicated his top aide and Nishimatsu Construction in illegal contributions to Ozawa's campaign. Mr. Morita, quoted extensively in this piece from the Asia Times, thinks the opposition leader's political days are numbered. "Ozawa will be forced to resign sooner or later," he was quoted as saying.

Aso now faces the choice of calling for elections soon despite a nationwide dislike for the premier or waiting and allowing the DPJ to get its footing again. Stay tuned.