Political will is needed to learn from history, make friends with neighbors and build mutual trust in the region

Japan's political transition in 2009 did not bring stability to the prime minister's chair. Two years after the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) came to power, a third DPJ leader will be sworn in as prime minister. Prime Minister Naoto Kan confirmed on Friday that he would resign as the ruling party leader. The DPJ will be welcoming a new party leader and the country a new prime minister early next week.

Japan's main problem is that its national development seems to have lost direction. The country has been disoriented for long, giving rise to political and diplomatic gaffes.