After struggling 14 turbulent months in power, Japanese Prime Minster Naoto Kan stepped down on Friday, staging the latest episode in Japans political scenario. Japan boasts itself to be the most mature democracy in Asia; but its revolving-door leadership has become an obstacle in dealing with a long-term economic standstill and rampant social anxiety. Though reluctant to be a laughing stock in the international arena, Japan has set a record by having to select its sixth prime minister in five years. A root cause lies in its impotence in policy making and failure to overcome crisis. Inspiration is a must for the development of each country. But Japans hope burst once again, just like a bubble, during the process to pick new leaders. Numerous party factions, hereditary leadership, a changed position in the world economy and the shift from a one-party dominance to two-parties competition has made Japan an awkward player in politics. Nobody can change the overall situation they only make small repairs. Japans economy has suffered a more austere recession than its partners in Europe and America in the past two decades. To shake off crisis, there needs to be an unprecedented adjustment, either in politics or in the economy. Though different from Chinas reform and opening-up movement, Japan also needs the kind of impact China has experienced during the past 30 years. In 2009, the rise of the Democratic Party of Japan into power was hailed as an epoch-making breakthrough. But the bubble soon broke, just like adding a faction to its Liberal Democratic Party in the revolving-door leadership scenario. As for adjustment, Japanese people need to revaluate its national power and fix its position on the world stage. It should be accustomed to the rise of China, both psychologically and in action. Meanwhile, rigid concepts in Japan have, so far, made it hard to make a fundamental change. Generally speaking, Japanese society has overestimated its development capability, but lacks the power of self-examination. Its leadership in a rising Asia has made it parallel to its peers in Europe and America. But the achievement also nourishes self-complacency and prevents it from seeking a fundamental way to escape crisis. Japan has committed severe mistakes in history. Meanwhile, its people neither ponder deeply nor correct the errors. On one hand, Japan has set up a good example for Asian countries in many aspects. On the other hand, it teaches a lesson about what happens after a country loses the power of policy making. Democracy has fully proved itself in Japan, including its shortcomings. In modern times, Japan has become, and remains to be, a textbook Chinese people need to study intensively to learn the ways of the world. Global Times