Japan lower house OKs bill allowing emperor to abdicate

A bill allowing 83-year-old Emperor Akihito to abdicate cleared the more powerful chamber of Japan's parliament on Friday, setting the stage for his elder son to succeed the Chrysanthemum throne. The bill, approved unanimously by the lower house ... ( read original story ...)

Japan, Short on Babies, Reaches a Worrisome Milestone

In a speech to business leaders this week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a “national movement” to address Japan’s demographic challenges. The government has taken steps to keep older workers in their jobs longer, and to encourage staff-hungry ... ( read original story ...)

Japan parliament passes emperor abdication law

But the idea of female succession is popular among ordinary Japanese. A Kyodo News agency survey last month showed 82 percent of those polled were in favour of allowing a female member of the imperial family to succeed, while 62 percent supported the ... ( read original story ...)

Abdication of Japan’s emperor moves a step closer

TOKYO Japanese Emperor Akihito's abdication moved a step closer ... that we can expect it to pass speedily," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference prior to the vote. While no definite plan for an abdication has been confirmed ... ( read original story ...)

Japan disappointed by Trump’s decision to quit Paris agreement

OSAKA – Japanese government officials, business leaders, and environmental groups expressed regret Friday at U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that America was withdrawing from the Paris Climate Change Agreement, but vowed to find ways to work ... ( read original story ...)

The North Korean threat to Japan

The U.S., working with Japan, must make the nuclear threat from North Korea a priority issue ANALYSIS/OPINION: In early May, I was part of a fact-finding trip to Japan. What I learned from four days of discussions with senior government officials ... ( read original story ...)

Japan and an Anti-Crime Bill

Re “Anti-Conspiracy Bill Advances in Japan” (news article, May 24): Concluding the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, or Untoc, is a pressing issue for Japan, as we prepare to play host to major events, particularly the ... ( read original story ...)