It's still baffling why the Abe administration was in such a hurry to have the state secrets bill passed when various opinion surveys showed that the bill was opposed by about 80 percnet of respondens on the very day the Upper House voted on ...
Three cases, three paths to legitimacy for Supreme Court
The bold ruling outlawing discrimination against those born to unmarried parents in inheritance cases shows the court honing its powers of review into a more precise tool — one that can be used more surgically, and perhaps more assertively, in the future.
Abe calls for deeper discussions on revising Japanese Constitution
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Wednesday that now is the time for the Japanese people to take a major step toward creating a new nation, and that debates on revising the pacifist Constitution, enhancing security policies and reforming the education system are on the ...
Emperor Akihito on Monday celebrated his 80th birthday, becoming the second emperor to have passed this milestone while on the throne, following his father, Emperor Showa.
Japanese civic movements conspicuously picked up steam to oppose the state secrets bill just before its enactment into law, illustrating that many Japanese voters become critical of the Abe administration when it takes up issues other than the economy.
For 'no war' Article 9, any reinterpretation will do
Since the conclusion of the Article 9 debate — that it permits Japan to participate in collective security efforts — is already known, all that is really called for is some kind of excuse that the public can give the nod to before returning ...
Group makes no secret of opposition to bill
In the face of moves to amend the postwar Constitution, about 500 people gathered in Tokyo on Saturday to promote the importance of maintaining its pacifistic ideals. At the outset of the gathering, sponsored by the pro-constitutional Article 9 Association, Yasuhiro Okudaira, a professor emeritus ...
The prime minister's top panel on security issues drafts a report to propose that Japan exercise its right to collective self-defense, requiring the government to change its interpretation of the pacifist Constitution.
South Korea hints at tacit OK of Japan collective defense quest
South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kyou Hyun on Friday indicated a stance of tacit approval of Japan's exercising its right of collective self-defense, according to Yonhap News Agency. "There is no way for us to effectively confine Japan's promotion of its right of ...
Japan brings out the big guns to sell remilitarization in U.S.
With a probable nod and a wink from the Americans, there's not a lot we can do but watch Abe's military machinations march to fruition.
Diet reform paralyzed by hypocritical habits
Indecision is a much-criticized feature of Japanese politics. Diet sessions are rife with unproductive wrangling as the ruling and opposition camps dispute the timing of the submission of bills while avoiding constructive discussions on them. Making matters worse, because the Constitution stipulates that Cabinet members ...
Anti-nuclear lawmaker tries to get Emperor's attention
Upper House lawmaker Taro Yamamoto, an anti-nuclear activist who was formerly an actor, creates a public stir when he apparently approaches Emperor Akihito for political purposes at a garden party hosted by the Imperial Couple.
