The ruling coalition and two major opposition parties have agreed on some measures for reform of Diet proceedings, including reducing requirements on the prime minister to attend committee sessions and regularizing one-on-one debate between the prime minister and opposition leaders.
Behind the measures are calls from the ruling bloc to make Diet deliberations more efficient and enable Cabinet members to spend more time on other duties such as diplomatic tours and international meetings.
Lawmakers and the parties need to make sure that the steps will not result in letting government leaders reduce their exposure to the legislature's scrutiny. The goal should be to encourage more substantial debate on policy issues.