Japan reopens the debate on its independent manned space programme: http://mainichi.jp/select/today/news/20090306k0000m040122000c.html

Despite the immediate glamour of sending humans to space, we should instead be debating the kind of country Japan intends to become in the 21st century; the answer to independent manned space flight will then surface sweet and clear.

Should Japan strive to remain a mighty industrial nation, send humans to space, or develop into a centre of finance? No. While I see their respective appeals, we are no match for the rising giants, and our language limits involvement in services. Instead, the long term goals should lie in obtaining equilibrium in an aged society, as demonstrated beautifully by the Nordic countries.