Editorials Mar 23, 2013
On April 28 the Abe Cabinet will commemorate the day in 1952 that Japan got its sovereignty back. Don't look for many Okinawans at the ceremony.
National / Crime & Legal Mar 14, 2013
The Tokyo District Court rules unconstitutional a provision in the Public Offices Election Law that strips the right to vote from adults assisted by guardians.
National / Politics Feb 19, 2013
Push to change Constitution gains parties' favor
by Eric Johnston
Political efforts to change a key part of the Constitution that would make it much easier to revise other articles continue to strengthen in the ruling and opposition parties. Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party have agreed to cooperate on submitting ...
World Feb 14, 2013
Armed drones stir debate in pacifist Germany
by Michael Birnbaum
The debate over the legality of drone warfare is stretching from Capitol Hill into the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, as Germany considers purchasing armed drones for the first time. Ever since World War II, Germany has been skeptical about military deployments, mindful of its ...
National / Politics Feb 12, 2013
National Foundation Day holiday inspires Constitution-related events
Many groups in Japan organized political events Monday, the National Foundation Day holiday, on themes of celebration of the country's establishment and a possible revision of the Constitution. Some expressed concern over moves aimed at revising the pacifist Constitution under the government of Prime Minister ...
National / Politics Feb 8, 2013
Article 9 panel revived in collective defense bid
by Ayako Mie
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reconvened a government policy advisory panel on security issues to review the move to reinterpret the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution so Japan can exercise collective self-defense. Noting recent global power shifts and the changing security environment in the ...
National / Politics Feb 7, 2013
Abe presses ahead on collective self-defense
by Ayako Mie
Japanese corporate executives doing business with China as well as diplomats stationed in Japan and neighboring countries are probably breathing a sigh of relief now that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has dialed down his hawkish stance from the campaign trail in December and has ...