Keizo Obuchi, who looked like a paragon of health as prime minister, suddenly collapsed last week when he suffered a stroke and was replaced by LDP Secretary General Yoshiro Mori. The episode made me think of a saying often quoted in the Japanese political world: "The future is all darkness."

I have little doubt that Mori was well-qualified to succeed Obuchi. However, the circumstances surrounding his appointment appear to suggest that his Cabinet will serve as a mere caretaker government until a general election is held. The Lower House must be dissolved for an election before the current members complete their terms in October.

Mori has little experience in high-profile diplomacy and economic management. His future as the nation's top political leader will hinge on his performance in the coming months. Although his name is not exactly a household word, he could transform himself into an enterprising leader, as did Obuchi.