Feb 10, 2013

Nuclear power and press freedom

Japan's plunge in a global ranking of press freedom is attributed solely to poor access to information on the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster.

Feb 8, 2013

China's dangerous conduct

It is deplorable that Chinese warships recently locked their fire-control radar on an MSDF destroyer and an MSDF helicopter in the East China Sea.

Feb 8, 2013

Mr. Kerry's challenges

Mr. John Kerry has been confirmed as the United States secretary of state and has officially taken office. Although his predecessor, Ms. Hillary Clinton, left a big legacy to live up to, the five-term senator from Massachusetts is well suited for the job. Mr. ...

Feb 7, 2013

Smaller pieces of the pie

The Abe administration is slicing ¥390 billion off last year's budget for central government grants to local governments, and calling for lower wages.

Feb 7, 2013

Delay in electoral reform

Talks agreed by the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan on election system reform for the Diet are going nowhere.

Feb 4, 2013

Suicide rate in decline

The annual number of suicides in Japan has fallen below the 30,000 level for the first time in 15 years, but suicide-prevention measures should not be slackened.

Feb 4, 2013

Civil court reform

Reform has been the watchword for Japan's criminal courts in recent years. Now there are calls to improve the system for civil trials and court mediation.

Feb 4, 2013

The DPJ's obligation

Members of the No. 1 opposition party, DPJ, have a duty to check the moves of the Abe administration with regard to economic and and defense policies.

Feb 3, 2013

Entrance exam change needed

Japan's entrance exam ritual, which is once again upon us, needs substantial changes before other parts of the education system can be reformed.

Feb 1, 2013

End the abuse of athletes

Fifteen of Japan's top female judo athletes, including Olympic contenders, should be praised for standing up against coaching violence and harassment.