News stories by Mutsuko Murakami

A chorus of calls for changes in discriminatory work laws is spreading across Japan in the aftermath of a landmark lawsuit filed by short-contract workers.

Japan may be one the world’ biggest economies, but it is not immune to poverty.

Amid worsening poverty, income inequality and a host of environmental hazards that are afflicting many countries, what does the world need today?

'I hope to see a society where women can comfortably work and raise a family — at the same time.'

The stunning victory of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) against the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Sunday’s election has left Yasuyo Takahashi, a Tokyo suburb resident, more upbeat about the prospects for change in her country.