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EDITORIALS

Dec 12, 2007

Open debate on death penalty

In executing three death-row inmates last week, the Justice Ministry made public their names, the crimes they were convicted of and the locations of the executions. This break with its secrecy policy has slightly improved transparency in the nation's capital punishment system. This trend should not be...

EDITORIALS

Dec 12, 2007

Redistribution of tax revenue

The government and the ruling coalition are thinking of redistributing revenues from the local corporate tax to equalize financial gaps among different prefectures. About ¥400 billion will be redistributed to financially weak prefectures by taking about ¥300 billion from Tokyo, about ¥80 billion from...

COMMENTARY / World

Dec 11, 2007

Moving to kill off capital punishment

By Emma Bonino

PRAGUE — It is finally happening. After 13 years of negotiations, delays, and hesitation, the U.N. General Assembly will vote this month on the proposal for a universal moratorium on the death penalty. A large majority of the U.N. adopted the proposal on Nov. 15, despite attempts by some member states...

COMMENTARY

Dec 11, 2007

The graduate school fiasco

By Takamitsu Sawa

Amid the controversy over Japanese students' falling scholastic standards, the most serious concern stems from the poor abilities of graduate students. This problem arose from the mistaken policy, introduced in 1990, of expanding graduate-school education.

EDITORIALS

Dec 11, 2007

Strengthening civilian control of SDF

A panel consisting of the chief Cabinet secretary, the defense minister and experts has started discussions on reform of the Defense Ministry. It is to issue an interim report in February. Its establishment was preceded by two serious incidents: the Nov. 28 arrest of former Vice Defense Minister Takemasa...

EDITORIALS

Dec 11, 2007

'Student' comes before 'athlete'

Sports are supposed to build a sound mind and a sound spirit. But recent marijuana incidents involving rugby players at Kanto Gakuin University raise the suspicion that many student athletes have forgotten the true meaning of sports. Rugby fans may ask: Where is the pride of rugby players whose tenets...

COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT

Dec 9, 2007

A moment of opportunity for Australia's new PM

By Roger Pulvers

The election of Kevin Rudd as prime minister of Australia last month gives that country an excellent opportunity to broaden the base, and redefine the tenor, of its ties with Japan.

EDITORIALS

Dec 9, 2007

Good news about Iran

In a sharp and striking reversal, the U.S. intelligence community has concluded that Iran has stopped work on its suspected nuclear weapons program. This revelation contrasts with the Bush administration's recent rhetoric warning that Iran's determination to develop a nuclear weapon could spark a war,...

COMMENTARY / World

Dec 9, 2007

Russia's role as the 'awkward partner'

By Robert Skidelsky

MOSCOW — The greatest disappointment of the postcommunist era has been the failure of the West — particularly Europe — to build a successful relationship with Russia.

COMMENTARY / World

Dec 8, 2007

Chavez is down, but not out

By Carlos Perez Llana

BUENOS AIRES — Hugo Chavez's defeat in a plebiscite designed to prolong his rule and increase his power will inspire important changes not only in Venezuela, but across Latin America. Until the vote last Sunday, South America was divided into three blocs:

EDITORIALS

Dec 8, 2007

Assistance to crime victims

A government panel is discussing ways to improve assistance to crime victims and their families. It has already decided to increase financial assistance for such people. But it should not forget that stronger support for organizations that assist such people will go a long way toward improving their...

EDITORIALS

Dec 8, 2007

Green light for baseball scholarships

In a change of policy, the Japan High School Baseball Association (JHSBA), following the recommendations of its special panel, has decided to conditionally accept preferential treatment — such as exemptions of admission and tuition fees — for talented baseball players. Previously it had opposed preferential...

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

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.

What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji

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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