For Japan, for Asian nations in crisis and for the western world's overheated stock markets, that could spell disaster. For a man who wants to win an election these are brave slogans, especially given the indirect, allusive language of Japanese politics. But more and more Japanese may be willing to take a risk with change as they see their much-vaunted economic model fail. Under the arches of an expressway, Tokyo's new homeless gather in their hundreds, only 10 minutes' walk from the Imperial Palace. We believe there are at least 6,000 people who are homeless in Tokyo.
Volunteers erect floodlights, dole out free instant noodles and distribute second-hand clothes.
A counsellor sits at a trestle table to give advice about the few state benefits that are available. Japan's recession is hitting the middle classes, too. He is fighting dismissal by a prestigious company called Chikichi, makers of kimonos in Kyoto for 440 years. I was proud. I didn't think about my own life.