INSIDE JAPAN from our view

Japan PM reshuffles cabinet  TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi appointed Shinzo Abe as the government's top spokesman in a cabinet reshuffle, strengthening the popular Abe's position as a candidate to succeed the prime minister next year. Koizumi, who led his Liberal Democratic Party to a landslide win in last month's election, has said he will step down when his term as party head ends next September and that he would appoint potential candidates for his job to key spots in the reshuffle.

 Have you ever heard of Shinzo Abe before? I think he is the most popular politician in Japan except Koizumi. But even Japanese people do not know that he has an extreme right policy although his soft atmosphere hides his offensiveness.

 Koizumi is said to become "Legend" in Japanese political history when you think about his strong belief in Reformation and his decisiveness which made a historical win possible. Shinzo Abe is considered to be the closest person who will succeed Koizumi. His attribution to solve North Korea's kidnapping problem and his ability to make good speeches help Japanese people to think "Abe can continue Koizumi's reformation".

 Abe, who is son of very powerful politician and grandson of the former Prime Minister, is quite noble man and never loses his temper. Not like Koizumi who is popular because of his open-minded atmosphere, Abe is popular because of his rational thinking.

 A few people are nominated for next Prime Minister but Abe is far ahead the others. But I think it important not to forget his extreme Right policy. He is thought to be the most Right politician in Japan. It sounds relatively good for US government but terrible for China or Korea. These two countries might think Koizumi is far better than Abe if Abe becomes Prime Minister and acts horribly.

 I like him very much in most points but I am concerned about his policy especially about military. I hope he will try to keep in touch with Asian countries to maintain peace.