Editorial Sep 2, 2016

DP's leadership race begins

The Democratic Party needs to choose a leader capable of transforming the party into contender capable of taking over the reins of government.

Japan Aug 4, 2016

What does Koike's election mean for Japanese politics?

by Yuki Tatsumi

Yuriko Koike just won the biggest gamble of her political career.

Editorial Jun 3, 2016

The July Upper House election

Much will be at stake in the July 10 Upper House election. The nation's youngest voters should make their voices heard.

Editorial Apr 25, 2016

Hokkaido by-election's impact

The results of the Hokkaido by-election should give both the LDP and the opposition cause for pause.

Editorial Mar 16, 2016

More than a new name is needed

Without a common policy platform that can provide voters with a genuine alternative to the ruling coalition, the new leading opposition party's future won't be bright.

Japan Feb 23, 2016

To make a comeback, DPJ must empower supporters

by Jiro Yamaguchi

The DPJ's turnaround can only be achieved by inviting broad participation of citizens in the selection of its candidates and the establishment of a policy platform, thereby creating a new energy in politics.

Editorial Jan 28, 2016

The lethargic opposition

To avoid another blowout defeat at the hands of the LDP-Komeito alliance, the opposition parties must increase their cooperation and present voters with an alternative vision.

Japan Jan 25, 2016

Japan without ambition

by Robert Dujarric

The parochialism of Japan's ruling caste blinds it from seeing how the rest of the world is adapting. Therefore, unless a great leader shows up, Japan will require a massive shock to awake from its slumber.

Editorial Dec 8, 2015

Alliance must make sense to voters

Votes won't support opposition party alliances that are based solely on political expediency.

Editorial Aug 28, 2015

Dearth of competition in the LDP

The dearth of any challenge to Shinzo Abe's leadership from within the LDP is disappointing given that many of his key policies are being questioned by the public.

Editorial Nov 21, 2014

Opposition must get its act together

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking a vote of confidence for his “Abenomics” policies in the Dec. 14 election of the Lower House. But as the chamber was officially dissolved Friday, the opposition parties still lack a common ground beyond their unanimous criticism of ...