Despite former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation and Yoshihide Suga’s ascension to the country’s top job, the chances of Japan taking a bold stride in North Korea relations are still, frankly, zero.

Even Abe, with his impeccable conservative credentials, was unable to reach a realistic deal with North Korea. Suga looks like he won’t last more than a year or two in his job.

More importantly, though, no Japanese leader will be able to make progress with the DPRK unless the U.S. makes a move first.

ABE’S RESIGNATION

Abe, the longest-ever serving Japanese prime minister, announced his resignation on