Debate on reforming the pension system sputters out.

(From International Herald Tribune (Herald Asahi))

The predictions are daunting: Millions of people will be bereft of pension payments after retirement if nothing is done to amend the wobbly system

But during the campaign for Sunday's Lower House election, regarded as a vote to chart the nation's future, the ruling coalition and opposition parties have not engaged in constructive debate about pension reform

In fact, the two sides cannot even agree if the issue should be discussed in front of voters

That was made clear Sunday on three TV programs in which Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) head Katsuya Okada appeared

``If the pension system changes every time there is a change in government, the public will be …