Once again Japan has a new prime minister, as the revolving door continues to spin. Mr Naoto Kan is Japan’s eighth Prime Minister to hold office this century (and that includes Junichiro Koizumi, who lasted a remarkable four years). The new incumbent PM is basically an economic reformer while, importantly, Transport Minister, Seiji Maehara, remains. As JAL stumbles, the entire Japanese aviation system must drag itself into the new world if it is to have a future. This Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation report considers whether the new leadership will bring with it any change in aviation policy and, importantly, looks at the forces of inertia which will need to be overcome.