Just how reformist is the new government in Tokyo? Japan Airlines could be a litmus test.

Early signs are good, though the politics of reform at such a large employer, the former flag carrier no less, will make progress difficult.

Certainly precedent isn't encouraging: JAL's been bailed out by the government thrice since 2001, each time spared the difficult decisions needed to cut its high operating costs.

Fold in a traffic slump and the result is obvious. JAL ...

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