Japan's way

American politicians might do well to take a tip from Japan's Liberal Democrats on how to choose a party leader without losing the interest of the television-viewing public. While long-winded speakers at the Republican convention were forcing US TV viewers to burn the midnight oil, Japan's Liberal Democrats selected Zenko Zuzuki as their party leader, heard his three-minute-and-20-second acceptance speech, and adjourned -- all within 24 minutes.

Energy-efficient cars are not the only thing in Japan that Americans might consider emulating.