Yet using skills honed at Funabashi station, Mr Noda pulled off what supporters call a miracle.

ECONOMIST: Japan��s new leader

Mr Funabashi, a prominent author, draws parallels between the roots of the disaster and Japan's failures in the second world war.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

As Funabashi suggests, Japan is in the weaker strategic position, needing China more than China needs Japan, now and in the future.

FORBES: Japan and China: A New, Fateful Beginning

He spoke with some venerable, well-known figures of like LDP politician and short-tenured prime minister Shinzo Abe, journalists Yoichi Funabashi and Akira Kojima, and a vice president of Keio University.

FORBES: Guy Sorman on Japan. Yes and Non.