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Satoshi Sugiyama
For Satoshi Sugiyama's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 19, 2021
Issue of national security looms large in Lower House campaign
The economy and fight against COVID-19 remain the top issues for voters, but they are increasingly concerned about threats from China and North Korea.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 19, 2021
LDP projected to retain majority in election but lose 40 seats
With the addition of Komeito's seats, the ruling coalition will be able to pass bills smoothly but will lack the number needed to push forward with constitutional revision, a pollster says.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 14, 2021
Lower House dissolved as Japan shifts into election season
Kishida is heading into the vote facing a balancing act between placating conservative voters and LDP lawmakers, and seeing off a more united left-leaning opposition.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 11, 2021
Opposition presses Kishida on COVID-19 and economic policy in Diet questioning
With an eye on the upcoming Lower House election, CDP leader Yukio Edano mixed his attacks on the new prime minister with counterproposals of his own.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 8, 2021
Kishida calls for new economic approach in first policy speech
Kishida on Friday vowed to transform the Japanese economy by implementing a “new model of capitalism,' identifying growth and the distribution of wealth as “mutually necessary.”
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Oct 7, 2021
Who is Fumio Kishida, Japan's new prime minister?
Who is Kishida and how did he rise to become the country's newest Prime Minister?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 4, 2021
Challenges await as Kishida takes reins as Japan's prime minister
Fumio Kishida is taking over as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. But his first job will be securing his mandate.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 1, 2021
Abe's influence weighs heavily on Kishida's LDP executive picks
Newly installed LDP chief Fumio Kishida officially unveiled the ruling party's new executive lineup Friday, elevating a close ally of the former prime minister to the No. 2 role.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 30, 2021
In the LDP's leadership race, Abe is looking like the ultimate victor
With many lawmakers having followed Abe's lead in backing Kishida as a second choice, the new LDP leader is likely to feel indebted to the former prime minister.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 29, 2021
Fumio Kishida to become Japan's PM following close LDP leadership race
The LDP veteran defeated Taro Kono, the vaccine czar and No. 1 choice for prime minister in public opinion polls, in a runoff thanks to strong backing from lawmakers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 24, 2021
Sanae Takaichi emerges as dark horse candidate in LDP leadership race
Despite initially being viewed as a no-hope candidate, Takaichi has used Shinzo Abe's backing and media appearances to build support among lawmakers and the public.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 17, 2021
LDP race kicks off as Japan faces pandemic and national security challenges 
Fumio Kishida, Sanae Takaichi, Taro Kono and Seiko Noda are each vying to lead the ruling party in a race that lacks a true front-runner.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 16, 2021
No clear front-runner and factions divided on eve of LDP leadership campaign
The race is turning out to be more than simply an election to choose the country's next leader — it's become a contest that could shift power dynamics within the ruling party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 10, 2021
In LDP race, divided factions and empowered junior lawmakers make election a toss-up
Unlike last year, when a majority of the party's prominent factions swiftly banded together to back Yoshihide Suga, most factions are divided over who to support.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 10, 2021
With Aso’s blessing, vaccine chief Taro Kono officially joins the LDP race
At a packed news conference on Friday, Kono touched on his achievements as the minister in charge of administrative reform and the vaccine rollout.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 9, 2021
Suga cites coronavirus response, not political quagmire, as reason to quit LDP leadership race
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday emphasized it was his desire to focus on the country’s pandemic response, and not a political predicament, that led him to abandon his re-election bid for Liberal Democratic Party president.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 7, 2021
Facing intraparty obstacles, Ishiba wrestles with role in LDP election
The former defense chief has long had ambitions to become prime minister, but his fraught relationship with the LDP could block his way — and change the race for everyone else.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Sep 6, 2021
One and done — Prime Minister Suga’s sudden resignation
The Japan Times' political correspondent, Satoshi Sugiyama, discusses Suga's sudden resignation and who might replace him as prime minister.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 6, 2021
Kono emerges as top contender to replace Suga in polls as LDP race gains steam
With the party's popularity having taken a hit over the pandemic, and an election due to be held this autumn, public support could give a candidate a crucial edge in the LDP vote.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / First Person
Sep 5, 2021
A behind-the-scenes look at Suga’s shocking decision to quit the LDP race
Even to his inner circle, the prime minister had not disclosed his intent to quit the presidential race until just before the news broke.

Longform

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