Opinion

It is up to Japan, working with allies and partners, to make it clear to decision-makers in Beijing that military force for anything but defense is a mistake.

The nation's Basic Environment Plan needs to be quickly fleshed out with concrete policy measures.

U.S. and South Korean diplomacy with North Korea can only succeed if it is realistic and hard-nosed.

China should be worried that its companies disregard not only the law, but their promises to national legal authorities.

The Japan-EU trade deal is a rejection of protectionism, and an affirmation of multilateral trade agreements and the existing trade order.

A mechanism should be established to properly assess the records of past SDF missions so that what was learned will be utilized in planning future activities and formulating policy.

The Japanese government should insist to the U.S. that all trade issues be resolved through the multinational framework under WTO rules.

The splintered opposition camp needs to be rebuilt into a more united force that can compete with the ruling parties through policies that seek to address the nation's mounting challenges.

Tokyo and Beijing should continue efforts to put their bilateral relationship back on track.

U.S. membership will encourage other countries to join the CPTPP, helping to transform it into a truly significant trade agreement — one that sets meaningful rules for economic integration and regional order.

Sanctions can only work if they are implemented by a coalition of nations. In this, Japan's cooperation is essential.

A system has been launched to certify medical specialists under a common set of standards. Hopefully, it won't drain too many doctors from general practice or concentrate too many specialists in big cities.