Changes

2000 Estimates,[http://www.demographia.com/db-world-metro2000.htm] </ref>

2000 Estimates,[http://www.demographia.com/db-world-metro2000.htm] </ref>

In the the 2009 national elections, the Liberal Democrats (LDP) is facing doom as the economy continues in the doldrums and corruption scandals fill the news. Prime Minister [[Taro Aso]] has shown uninspiring leadership. The LDP has ruled Japan for nearly all of the last 50 years and is generally conservative; the leftist Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is well ahead in the polls.  Prospective prime minister and DPJ leader [[Yukio Hatoyama]] is part of the establishment. The son of a former foreign minister and grandson of a former prime minister, he quit the LDP party in 1993. If elected he is expected to distance Japan somewhat from its closest ally, the United States.

In the the August 2009 national elections, the Liberal Democrats (LDP) syffered a massive defeat as the economy continues in the doldrums and corruption scandals fill the news and Prime Minister [[Taro Aso]] has shown uninspiring leadership. The LDP has ruled Japan for nearly all of the last 50 years and is generally conservative. The leftist Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has won by very large margins.  Prospective prime minister and DPJ leader [[Yukio Hatoyama]] is part of the establishment. The son of a former foreign minister and grandson of a former prime minister, he quit the LDP party in 1993. If elected he is expected to distance Japan somewhat from its closest ally, the United States.

==Geography==

==Geography==