The authorities had better tread very carefully when deciding whether to change the spousal tax deduction system.

The LDP has every right to weaken or even end the term limits on its presidents, but should it do so now just to keep Shinzo Abe in power?

Angela Merkel's support for immigration and the settlement of more than a million refugees have cost her party dearly at the ballot box.

Japan must prepare to handle a larger number of senile dementia cases as the size of its eldlerly population increases.

Central bankers have done their part to spur economic growth, it is up to politicians to do theirs.

Regional authorities, businesses and communities need to help turn around the slowdown in spending by overseas visitors.

In approving the use of breakthrough drugs, the government must ensure their cost doesn't place undo strain on the nation's public health insurance system.

More than 300 schoolchildren take their own lives every year.

The new cease-fire attempt in Syria deserves applause, but it will need sustained political and military backing to achieve a real peace.

Despite the controversy surrounding Renho's candidacy, the Democratic Party can hardly afford not to unite its new president.

Reform of the nation's electricity business is far from complete.

The Bank of Japan should candidly assess the impact of its monetary policy and consider whether it's still worth pursuing.