Spurred into action following a surge in reports of asbestos-linked deaths across the country, the government last week unveiled a package of steps designed to better deal with the carcinogenic substance.
However, contrary to the government's underscoring of the swiftness of its compilation, critics say the package comes up short on specific measures.
When the package was unveiled Friday, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Hidehisa Otsuji stressed that the government would consider, among other things, offering compensation to victims, including the possibility of drafting special legislation.