He is still fairly popular and positive here in Japan—I do want to observe that—because the local low-brow media harps in his favor like they do in the USA (with some growing exceptions—particularly in high brow, academic or conservative monthlies and forums) so I want to be real careful, and to put this in context. Many Japanese, though, after one year, do not detect anything particular steller in the way of strength or accomplishments, although they will tell you he “gives a darned good speech” (or at least they are meant to felt that way through imagery and liberal media spin.)
I too always appreciate your your informative posts. Would you as an American in Tokyo bow before the emperor? Thanks in advance for your insight.