NEWSWORTHY
Heisei's legal legacies include greater civic participation
With Emperor Akihito abdicating on April 30, the Heisei Era that began Jan. 8, 1989, after his father's death will also come to an end. With this column I'd like to look back at some of the noteworthy changes that occurred to Japan's laws ...
Influential Japanese philosopher Takeshi Umehara dies at age 93
Influential Japanese philosopher Takeshi Umehara died of pneumonia at his home in Kyoto on Saturday. He was 93. Umehara, who was awarded the Order of Culture in 1999, addressed not only philosophy but also touched on wide-ranging topics about Japanese culture. Born in Sendai, Umehara served ...
Japan already in for politically hectic 2019, but may see 'double election'
Japan’s 2019 political calendar is shaping up to be a busy year with Emperor Akihito’s historic abdication at the end of April and elections in mid-April and over the summer.
At SDF ceremony, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe renews pledge to revise Japan's pacifist Constitution
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe renewed his pledge Sunday to push for a revision to the country's war-renouncing Constitution, in which he wants the Self-Defense Forces explicitly mentioned. Speaking before a field of about 4,000 personnel during the Self-Defense Forces Day at Asaka Base in Asaka, ...
Abe versus Japan's 'invisible hand'
Will public opinion thwart Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's effort to amend the Constitution?
Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad warns against revising Japan's pacifist Constitution
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says Japan’s pacifist Constitution stands out in the world for embodying peace and should be emulated, not revised.
Abe should strike while the iron's hot on revising Article 9
At the height of his political power, now is an opportune time for Abe to attempt constitutional revision.
Abe cites 'great responsibility' to rewrite Article 9 in preview pitch for LDP presidential election
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday said he was ready to win another term as the conservative Liberal Democratic Party's leader in September, which would all but ensure he becomes Japan's longest-serving leader. "My goal has not changed at all since I ran in the ...
Japan lowers minimum voting age for constitutional referendums to 18
The minimum voting age in national referendums to amend the Constitution was lowered to 18 from 20 on Thursday as part of a series of moves to encourage civic participation by young people. The lowering of the voting age for referendums brings it into line ...
Ex-Prime Minister Nakasone makes call for amending Constitution as he celebrates 100th birthday
At 100, former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, a legendary figure in Japanese politics, expresses hopes that “serious efforts” will be made to amend the postwar Constitution.
LDP panels back Japanese government's pursuit of capability to attack in self-defense
Panels in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday approved a draft proposal for the government to develop the military capability to "strike enemy bases" in foreign countries. Considering North Korea's rapidly advancing nuclear and missile programs and China's maritime assertiveness, the LDP also will ...
