TOKYO -- Opinion in Japan's government and ruling coalition is leaning against holding a special legislative session this autumn since the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement remains shrouded in secrecy, giving lawmakers nothing substantive to debate.
This year's ordinary session of parliament was extended until last month amid a contentious debate over national security bills, which eventually became law. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sounded noncommittal on the prospect of an extra session.