Being young as a politician means being energetic. But it can also mean that the politician is immature or fragile.

Koizumi tried to achieve reform within the LDP framework ... But he couldn't do that, so that means reform is only possible if there is a change in government,

Koizumi tried to achieve reform within the LDP framework ... But he couldn't do that, so that means reform is only possible if there is a change in government.

He's already a lame duck, but it would be a minus for his ability to handle the LDP and parliament.

There's no way around it. Koizumi is a political genius. His creation of the assassin candidates has captured the public's imagination.

Support for the Koizumi cabinet remains quite high among voters. But he can't solve the problems inside his own backyard. The election will be a great chance for the Democratic Party.