Japan's ebullient new Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka dissolved the national Diet last week to prepare the way for the country's twelfth postwar general elections on Dec. 10. Tanaka, who was chosen Prime Minister only four months ago, wanted to hold off until next year. The leaders of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, however, were anxious to capitalize on the "Tanaka boom"the surge of popularity caused by his quick action in achieving détente with China.
As it happens, the opposition was also eager to put Tanaka to the test. In the closing days...
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