EDITORIAL: Giving patent rights to companies would demoralize creative employees

EDITORIAL: Abe’s game plan for constitutional revision is dangerous

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Jan. 10 explained on Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) television his hopes for the Upper House election slated for this summer. He said he wants his Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, to join forces with Initiatives from Osaka and other political organizations that favor constitutional revision so that together they will control two-thirds of the Upper House.

EDITORIAL: Program to protect local brands should also drive revitalization

Seven quality agricultural and food products have been selected for special name protection under a geographical indication program introduced last summer. The program is aimed at protecting and enhancing the brand values of agricultural, forestry, fishery and food products that are closely linked to the climates and traditions of specific regions and bear the names of the regions.

EDITORIAL: Japan should not be passive bystander as tensions rise in Middle East

Tensions are rising in the Middle East as Saudi Arabia and Iran are at loggerheads with each other.

EDITORIAL: China crucial to moves to rein in North Korea

In response to Pyongyang’s fourth nuclear test, the U.N. Security Council will soon start discussions on a new resolution to impose additional sanctions on North Korea.

EDITORIAL: Opposition parties cannot afford to ease criticism of Abe's policies

Ruling and opposition parties traded bitter criticisms during interpellation by party representatives at plenary sessions of both houses of the Diet on Jan. 6 and 7. They apparently acted on the perception that this Diet session is the prelude to the Upper House election in summer.