A far, far country...and quietly

Reader Julian Ortega Martinez sends word that former Prime Minister Abe Shinzō led a delegation to Bogota as a part of a celebration the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Colombia...oh, and that nobody cared.

Courtesy: Office of the President of Colombia

Some might decry the lack of attention paid to Abe's visit as indicative of Japan's declining stature in South America, especially in the face of expanding Chinese influence (with another interesting recent take on the issue here).

On the other hand, sending Abe Shinzō -- whom the scandal mags derisively call "the zombie" -- does not send a signal that the Government of Japan is feeling a particular sense of urgency about the Japan's diminished stature.

Later - Okumura Jun has a rather more entertaining write-up on the same story.