CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- The drama at the Japanese Foreign Ministry is still unfolding with a multitude and variety of acts, inviting continuous comment and debate. I believe that certain aspects should be clarified before proceeding to a postmortem of the crisis or to estimates about the future. First, a look at some of the "victims" in this drama so far: a flamboyant and dynamic female politician, a disastrously influential lawmaker, a top bureaucrat, some other senior diplomats and the perpetrators of money scandals.

Perhaps the most crucial dimension is easily forgotten: The main victim is the ministry itself, whose image has suffered considerable damage for years to come. The obvious argument is that the root cause is scandal and diplomatic arrogance. Yes, but what about other causes that are equally or even more important, such as the unacceptable meddling by political figures or the unjustified rush to reform without a realistic consideration of the possibilities first?

Second, we should shed some light on the confusion that distorts the very process of improving the ministry's function. It is one thing to call for "vigorous diplomacy," "protection of Japanese interests" etc. and another to restructure this particular branch of government.