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August 27, 2025

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EDITORIALS

Sep 25, 2006

Sustainable local government

On June 20, Mayor Kenji Goto of Yubari, Hokkaido, solemnly told the city assembly that his city would have to undergo compulsory financial reconstruction, the equivalent of recovering from the brink of bankruptcy. The city is the second local government to fall into this status in 14 years.

EDITORIALS

Sep 24, 2006

It's true, summer tends to linger on like an unwanted guest long after the autumnal equinox gives it the official boot in late September. But the season needs to face facts: Ever since August departed, it's been looking tired and stale. The same thing happens every year. The first twinges of fall set...

EDITORIALS

Sep 24, 2006

Right to a minority opinion

The Tokyo District Court last week ruled illegal the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education's policy of forcing school teachers to sing the national anthem "Kimigayo (Your Reign)" during school ceremonies. The court ruled that the policy violates Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom...

EDITORIALS

Sep 23, 2006

Stepping up pressure on Pyongyang

Japan imposed financial sanctions on North Korea earlier this week. The action, which came more than two months after the North's July 5 test-firing of seven missiles, may have been be unavoidable since Pyongyang has not shown any sign that it will return to the six-nation talks on its nuclear-weapons...

EDITORIALS

Sep 23, 2006

A setback for Thai democracy

The Thai military seized power Tuesday, revoking the constitution and declaring martial law. The coup took place while Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York attending a U.N. General Assembly session.

EDITORIALS

Sep 22, 2006

A nuclear-free Central Asia

Five former republics of the Soviet Union in Central Asia have created a nuclear-free zone. The agreement is an important step forward for the global nonproliferation regime at a time when that order is under assault on multiple fronts.

EDITORIALS

Sep 21, 2006

Mr. Abe's worrisome plan for Japan

Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe has been selected as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, roundly defeating his two rivals, Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and Foreign Minister Taro Aso. Within a week the Diet will elect him as the nation's next prime minister.

EDITORIALS

Sep 20, 2006

Mr. Musharraf's dangerous deal

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf maintains a precarious balance. On one hand, he must tread carefully among the Muslims who make up 97 percent of his country's population. On the other, he must appease his international supporters, among them the United States, who demand that he crack down on Islamic...

EDITORIALS

Sep 19, 2006

A positive U.S.-ROK summit

While Japan has focused on the modernization of its alliance with the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been seeking a new equilibrium in its relationship with Washington, too. The maturing of South Korea's economy and political system, and the coming to power of a new generation have shifted...

EDITORIALS

Sep 18, 2006

Share of urban wealth

While the gap between the haves and have-nots -- which is believed to have widened under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's administration -- has become a political issue, another economic gap deserves attention. This is the gap between the nation's business and economic centers and the countryside....

EDITORIALS

Sep 18, 2006

Unfinished business

The Tax Commission, an advisory body that directly reports to the prime minister, has decided to put off for a year or so recommendations on middle-range tax reforms. Short of official recommendations, however, commission chief Hiromitsu Ishi has issued a personal statement calling for public discussions...

EDITORIALS

Sep 17, 2006

Have a nice 'sol'

It's that time again. Every so often, life on our planet just seems so bleak there's nowhere to look but out. That was certainly the case this past week. Not only did the usual whack-a-mole wars keep flaring and simmering, even good things had their dark sides. Here in Japan, the welcome birth of a prince...

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Tetsuzo Shiraishi, speaking at The Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, uses a thermos to explain how he experienced the U.S. firebombing of March 1945, when he was just 7 years old.

From ashes to high-rises: A survivor’s account of Tokyo’s postwar past

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Smile! It’s ‘Sanrio Time,’ now and ever after

Smile! It’s ‘Sanrio Time,’ now and ever after

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