Japan is finally in. Last month marked the nation's inaugural participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a regional trade agreement billed as having high standards worthy of the 21st century. This month's 19th round of negotiations in Brunei (Aug. 22-31) will test Japan's negotiation skills as a full participant.

With Japan entering the TPP talks as the 12th member, several observations are worth mentioning.

First, domestic protests and debates have mellowed though interests in the issues may not have. Have the opposition parties reluctantly accepted the government's decision to join the TPP or have the government managed to convince them that their interests will be protected?