This Sunday’s landslide victory for the Democratic Party of Japan marked the first change in party power in half a century. Having watched as Barack Obama took the 2008 United States presidential election using change as the foundation of his campaign, this election paints a clear picture of what the Japanese people want: CHANGE.

The Democratic Party of Japan is led by Yukio Hatoyama, who also will likely be named the new Prime Minister of Japan. The Economist notes, Hatoyama “promises a government less beholden to the powerful civil service, wants to temper the free market and is keen to dole out cash to the disadvantaged in the economically stagnant and aging country.”

Having endured the “lost decade” under the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the people of Japan have embraced the new direction in large numbers. The goals of the new administration will likely be similar to new administration’s in power around the globe, including making loans more accessible and affordable, investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, and stimulating economic growth through spending programs.

[image via photopassjapan]