Living in Japan, I haven't noticed or understood much of this election. Apparently, there was big enthusiasm for reform and little visible crituque against. In Osaka, Koizumi was greated like rock star. It's all so PR.

This election is not good for countryside. Post-office is the last government agency which covers all corners. Tokyo profits from Koizumi's policies enormously. Even people or companies from Osaka (third largest city, after Tokyo and Yokohama) start to move there.

I wonder how Koizumi's "small government" will affect emergency agencies.