Nobody can speak against him now. He even ignored the court ruling, to deliver a message that he is a ruler who makes his own decisions.

299

But Mr. Koizumi blew a chance to mend Japan's troubled relations with China and South Korea. I'm afraid Japan's ties with (them) would be dangerously low.

252

He was facing increasing opposition and was standing on very weak ground. So in that sense it was a godsend.

205

Koizumi will not change his tune because he doesn't want to face a major political setback, but this is exactly the kind of attitude that will hurt his leadership because more LDP politicians will distance themselves from him.

199

Koizumi's victory means Japan will now, more than ever, take orders from the United States in its foreign policy -- including keeping troops on in Iraq.

146