“Mr. Hatoyama is a classic example of a prime minister who needed to set a course for Japan, but couldn't,” said Kyoto University's Mr. Machidori. “Mr. Kan must show he has learned the Koizumi lesson.

“鸠山先生是典型的需要为日本开拓道路，却没有做到的例子，”京都大学的侍鸟先生说，“菅直人先生必须表明，他已经从小泉那里学到了该学的东西。”

youdao

Previously, Mr Koizumi has said that he does not believe Mr Bush would launch a military strike against North Korea.

ECONOMIST: Dangerous and nuclear

Mr Koizumi's advisers are said to be deadlocked.

ECONOMIST: Glacial moves in the reform of the postal savings giant

They may renew their calls for a cabinet reshuffle, which Mr Koizumi has sought to avoid, although in Australia this week he said he would consider the possibility.

ECONOMIST: They want reforms from Koizumi