2017/01/05 |
Japan's State-sponsored Scholarships
Japan's government is in need to improve its scholarship program with half of its university students relying on student loans while 60,000 children from low-income households enter college each year.
2017/01/04 |
Democracy Under Siege in 2017?
Democrats the world over must be alert to growing strains in their societies, and those of friends and allies. They must prepare to fight for tolerance, respect for the rule of law and the values that have defined the post-World War II world.
2016/12/31 |
The Year the Establishment Failed
Key events in 2016 were moments of disintegration that exposed a frail and fragile political order.
2016/12/29 |
Beyond Abe’s Pearl Harbor Visit
While the visit to Pearl Harbor marks a 'historic gesture' with the U.S., Japan should realize that reconciliation should not be limited to close allies.
2016/12/28 |
Better Court Interpreters Needed in Japan
200 errors and omissions regarding the testimony translated by Japanese court interpreters were found for a mortar attack trial.
2016/12/27 |
The Cost of Cleaning Up Fukushima
Tepco should pay for the decommissioning of its reactors, compensation for the victims, and cleanup of the contaminated areas.
2016/12/23 |
Review the Failure of Japan's Monju Project
The Japanese government should conduct a thorough examination of why the Monju project ended in failure and hold open discussion on whether the nuclear fuel cycle is still a feasible option for the country.
2016/12/21 |
China Tests the United States
China has frequently tested U.S. leaders as soon as they take office and Trump’s statements have raised the stakes for Beijing.
2016/12/20 |
Four Years of Abe in Power
Four years on, Abe’s grip on power seems as strong as ever. The question remains how and where he will use his ample political resources.
2016/12/19 |
A Step Forward for Japan-Russia Ties
Joint operations in the disputed islands off Hokkaido could help enhance Japan-Russia relations.
2016/12/16 |
The U.S. Air Base Noise Pollution Problem in Japan
The government should open talks with the United States to fully explain the plight of residents around U.S. military installations and prod it to take concrete and effective measures to reduce their hardship.
2016/12/15 |
Japan’s Ratification of the TPP
Japan needs a Plan B for the likely-doomed TPP to boost its economy.
2016/12/14 |
Google’s Commitment to Go Green
Government commitments are important, but even more durable and compelling are steps by companies like Google.
2016/12/13 |
China Controls Its WTO Destiny
China cannot enjoy the advantages of market economy status while avoiding the costs it entails.
2016/12/12 |
Tokyo Seeks to Keep Olympic Costs Down
As the host for the 2020 Olympics, Japan is expecting costs for the event to be three-times higher than originally expected.
2016/12/09 |
Casino Legislation In Japan on the Fast Track
There may be pros and cons about legalizing casinos, but the way the legislation is being pushed through the Diet does little to assure it will be a safe bet.