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EDITORIALS

May 24, 2003

Tighten Japan's tobacco controls

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control adopted at the latest annual assembly of the World Health Organization is the first multilateral pact in the field of public health. The harmful effects of tobacco on health are well-known, but its use remains widespread. The fact is that while the health dangers...

EDITORIALS

May 23, 2003

Al-Qaeda sends world a warning

A series of bomb attacks last week killed hopes that the threat from al-Qaeda was diminishing. Experts worry that the string of apparent successes in the international war against terrorism might even trigger more attacks. Ominously, the terrorists are focusing on softer targets, proving once again that...

EDITORIALS

May 22, 2003

A fairer sharing of pensions

A government advisory council on social security is considering a proposal to split company-retirement pensions between husbands and wives. The primary aim is to guarantee pension rights for full-time housewives (those not working part time) in recognition of their household work and other duties such...

EDITORIALS

May 21, 2003

Moment of truth in the bank crisis

The government decision to inject taxpayer money into Resona Holdings, the nation's fifth-largest banking group, is a fresh reminder of the fragility of the Japanese financial system. There have been no bank runs, but confidence in bank management has been shaken again. Until very recently Resona executives...

EDITORIALS

May 20, 2003

On the brink of another recession

Japan's economy appears on the brink of yet another recession -- the fourth in a decade. The nation's gross domestic product -- the total value of goods and services produced at home -- remained flat in real terms, not including price effects, in the first three months of the year, according to data...

EDITORIALS

May 19, 2003

Iran's challenge to nonproliferation

The list of international nuclear problems continues to grow. The U.S. war victory over Iraq has presumably ended concerns about that country's efforts to develop nuclear weapons. North Korea's nuclear program is the current focus of international attention. Now the U.S. is ringing the alarm over Iran's...

EDITORIALS

May 18, 2003

Washington and Seoul back on track

The United States and South Korea have found common ground. Last week's summit between U.S. President George W. Bush and South Korea's Roh Moo Hyun should allay concerns about a split between them. The two men reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis while...

EDITORIALS

May 17, 2003

Probing Pana Wave's nature

In the past few weeks, a mysterious caravan of white vehicles carrying white-robed people has been traveling around the country, causing disputes with residents along the way. The group calls itself Pana Wave Laboratory, a doomsday cult that evokes memories of crimes committed by members of the Aum Shinrikyo...

EDITORIALS

May 16, 2003

Al-Qaeda's warning to Riyadh

The series of car-bomb attacks that devastated Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier this week is a horrific reminder that victories in Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to have only a limited impact on the war against terrorism. More troubling is the likelihood of attacks intensifying in the weeks ahead. Although...

EDITORIALS

May 15, 2003

Deflation helps generate profits

Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co., two of Japan's leading manufacturing companies, chalked up record profits in the business year that ended March 31. Other major firms, including Honda Motor Co., also made their best showings in spite of falling prices. These results indicate that deflation is...

EDITORIALS

May 14, 2003

A landmark trade deal for Asia

The United States and Singapore last week concluded a free-trade agreement, the first ever between the U.S. and an Asian nation. The deal has political and economic significance, and holds out both promise and peril. While the FTA reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Asia, it could also constitute a threat...

EDITORIALS

May 13, 2003

Streamlining state subsidies

In a move toward greater local autonomy, a government panel has submitted a report to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi calling for large cuts in state subsidies to local governments, including a reduction in government payments for public education. Currently the central government pays half of the salaries...

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

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Dangami House is a 180-year-old former samurai residence of the Kato clan, who ruled over Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, until the Meiji Restoration.

A house, a legacy and the quiet work of restoration in rural Japan

By Hanako Lowry

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

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

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

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