Economy | ANALYSIS
Households to take hit from tax hike
by Tomoko Otake
The consumption tax increase will hit every household in Japan hard, with many people’s financial future hanging on whether their wages rise enough to offset the hike's impact.
Social Issues | ABE'S PROMISES Jun 20, 2013
Dilemma: How to shed white elephants' red ink?
by Kazuaki Nagata
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is pushing for an alternative type of public works project that allows private-sector entities to finance, construct and then operate infrastructure facilities.
Social Issues | ABE'S PROMISES Jun 19, 2013
Lofty educational ideal: Ability to prevail on global stage
by Masaaki Kameda
Universities are starting to try out all sorts of new and innovative ways for Japan to develop human resources capable of "prevailing on the world stage."
Social Issues | ABE'S PROMISES Jun 18, 2013
Maternity leave, day care still elude many working mothers
by Ayako Mie
Like many full-time working mothers in Japan, Eriko Soyama, 36, had a tough time getting her children into day care to continue her career.
Social Issues | ABE'S PROMISES Jun 18, 2013
Yokohama day care centers scramble to keep kids off waiting lists
by Mami Maruko
In the shadow of an imposing highway bypass in Yokohama, laughter and excited voices mingle in the small playground of a day care center attended by 52 children no older than 5.