Japan

Crisis Reveals Leadership Vacuum

PM says "what in the world is going on?"

They're not comforting words to hear, but when Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said “what in the world is going on?” early Tuesday morning, his reaction spoke directly to Japan's leadership crisis. After the devastating earthquake, tsunami and ever-worsening nuclear situation, each day seems to reveal new holes in the leadership. As the nuclear reactors let out explosions, politicians were completely reliant on Tokyo Electric Power for information, while providing very few news reports about the situation. Japan has long had a secretive political culture, and many politicians and business leaders work together. The Japanese press, meanwhile, often reacts “hysterically,” said one expert, saying this reaction only enhances the government’s belief that things should be kept private.