For Junko Horiuchi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Experts suggest Japan, in partnership with ASEAN, broker talks between the junta and the National Unity Government as the country has ties with both sides.
To address the matter, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government is set to release a new carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions target for fiscal 2030.
Concerns among fishermen and consumers are rooted in persistent distrust among the Japanese public toward the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.
As Suga scrambles to contain the coronavirus, he has been treading carefully not to invite more criticism over the government's handling of the pandemic ahead of a fall election.
Trade talks are likely to differ substantially in style compared to those under Donald Trump, but Biden is still likely to push for greater market access and make tough demands.
In 2003, the government unveiled a plan to have women occupy 30% of leadership positions in 2020 but failed to achieve the target.
The trade pact could create momentum for a shift away from the protectionism pushed by Trump and a return to multilateralism.
The industry ministry has set up a council with members of the private sector to explore the issue, including how to secure a stable supply of the energy source.
Japan will likely have no choice but to stick to its current foreign policy since the next Cabinet will only have a year in office.
Japan has agreed with 68 countries to offer medical devices after securing ¥48 billion in coronavirus-related aid expenses in the extra budget for fiscal 2020.
