Japan 7 Days S2011E03 - MATTER OF FACT: Diet in session, setting the agenda for 2011

Japan's national legislature began a regular session this week, as the Kan administration confronts an array of challenges. Not the least of these is passing a budget for the fiscal year that starts in April. 

Finding a balance between social welfare programs and tax revenue is another issue high on the agenda. Opposition parties, however, are not in a cooperative mood. The Liberal Democratic Party in particular hopes to unseat the Democratic Party and return to power within the year.

Guest: Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Japan Studies, Council on Foreign Relations (Washington, DC)