Expectations for General Election

Japan faces domestic and external problems that need immediate action. The upcoming general election is quite important because it will decide the nation's path toward overcoming a pile of tough challenges. Political parties need to tell the people clearly and definitely what their basic stances on the key policy issues are and how they will tackle the difficulties. Voters are anticipated to make a thorough review of what shown by political parties and leaders before making a decision.

TPP

Mexico and Canada have already joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks and Thailand has expressed its interest in participating in the negotiations. It is reported that negotiating leaders have agreed on aiming to conclude the process no later than 2013. Japan needs to join the talks without delay to take part in the formulation of multinational rules in the initial stage.