It is important to carry out judicial reforms in order to ensure that the public has better access to legal services, according to newly appointed Justice Minister Mayumi Moriyama.
"With our society as a whole coming up against a brick wall in every respect, the judiciary is a major area where reform is needed, along with the economy, social security and education," the 73-year-old minister said.
"It is one of the biggest issues facing the Justice Ministry now," she said.