Asahi :: Friday, July 31, 2009

• Panel says lower age of majority to 18 (7/31)
  BY MITSUSADA ENYO, THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
  The age of majority, set at 20 under the Civil Law more than a century ago, should be lowered to 18, an advisory panel to Justice Ministry recommended Wednesday. continued ...


• EDITORIAL: Consumption tax hike (7/31)
  Perhaps it is inevitable that we all must shoulder a heavier burden of taxes and other fees to pay for improved medical, nursing and child-care support. But who will be responsible for managing and allocating these additional funds? Will it be the central government, or the local governments that provide such services? We must keep these crucial points in mind when deciding how the burden should be divided. continued ...


• EDITORIAL: U.S.-China dialogue (7/31)
  Thirty years have passed since the United States and China established diplomatic relations, but those bilateral ties are now facing a historic shift. continued ...