Editorial Jul 3, 2012

Show restraint over Senkaku Islands

As the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties on between Japan and China on Sept. 29, 1972, draws near, friction between the two neighboring countries is increasing over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Both sides must refrain from taking ...

Editorial Jun 30, 2012

North Korea needs a new direction

A half year has passed since the Dec. 17, 2011, death of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. The “military first” policy is his legacy. North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong Un, his youngest son, should pursue the path of giving priority to ...

Editorial Jun 25, 2012

Tasks for the extended Diet session

Because of a deal between the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, bills incorporating Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s plan to raise the consumption tax are likely to be passed by the end of the current Diet session, ...

Editorial Jun 17, 2012

Consensus on risky tax raise

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the two main opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, on Friday reached a basic agreement on raising the consumption tax. Although the tax raise is coupled with reform of the social security system, the agreement ...

Editorial May 16, 2012

Tax hike plan merits more scrutiny

The Diet has started deliberations on bills to raise the consumption tax rate and reform the social welfare system. Two bills deal with pension-related issues such as beefing up benefits for low-income people and improving pension coverage for irregular workers. Another two bills are ...

Editorial May 4, 2012

Mr. Noda, Mr. Obama and the alliance

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on April 30 and later issued a joint statement underlining the importance of “the U.S.-Japan Alliance” as “the cornerstone of peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.” Clearly an ...

Editorial Apr 27, 2012

Mr. Ozawa's bittersweet court victory

The Tokyo District Court on Thursday acquitted former Democratic Party of Japan leader Ichiro Ozawa of charges he violated the Political Funds Control Law. But the ruling shows that it is a bittersweet victory for Ozawa. He needs to pay careful attention to his ...

Editorial Apr 20, 2012

Stopping the North's next move

The United Nations Security Council on Monday “strongly condemned” North Korea for its failed rocket launch three days earlier and announced that it will impose new sanctions. The North’s failed attempt to launch a satellite clearly violates a 2009 UNSC resolution that prohibits it ...

Editorial Apr 5, 2012

BRICS and bombast

BRICS is back. The five-nation group that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa held its fourth summit last week, convening in New Delhi to present their collective views on global problems. While their opinions are increasingly relevant given their growing weight and ...

Editorial Mar 27, 2012

Rare earths dispute now before WTO

Japan has joined the United States and the European Union in filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization over China’s restrictions on its exports of rare earths — which are indispensable in the production of such high-tech products such as hybrid and electric ...

Commentary Mar 26, 2012

Cyberspace: new face of war in the 21st century

by Cesar Chelala

For the past few years, there has been an explosion of ways in which countries can engage in destructive behavior. The use of cyberspace as a venue of battle has changed the nature of conventional warfare. This poses problems in terms of response to ...

Commentary Mar 24, 2012

China must rein in N. Korea

by Ralph Cossa

Now what? Just when we thought things were getting better, North Korea pulled the rug out from under everyone, including itself, by announcing a planned satellite launch to commemorate Great Leader Kim Il Sung’s 100th birthday celebration. Pyongyang (pretends to) believe that there is ...