For Eric Johnston's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Kansai Economic Federation, which includes some of Kansai's largest and most influential firms, hopes to tap patrons with the spirit of a “first penguin” to revive the region's fortunes.
With public support sinking over the pandemic and questions raised over his past statements on Abe's spring party scandal, prosecution of a trusted ally only adds to Suga's woes.
Even lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party criticized their leaders after the government's top spokesperson described the situation in Washington as "difficult."
The declaration is expected to expand to Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in the Kansai region, as well as Aichi, Gifu, Fukuoka and Tochigi prefectures.
There are concerns expo-related costs could greatly increase, like those for the Tokyo Olympics, and also over whether there will be adequate time to prepare.
Levying fines on businesses if they don’t shut down or reduce their hours of operation runs the risk of a political backlash against the government.
Suga's declaration the nation would achieve net zero by 2050 has touched off a debate over the best way to provide a safe, stable, secure and green energy.
The former prime minister's apologies and explanation over a political spending scandal have tainted his legacy and only given rise to further questions.
The new directive means most nonresident foreign nationals will not be able to enter the country from Monday until the end of January.
The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito recently marked 21 years of alliance, having ruled Japan as a coalition for 18 of those years. But are they growing apart?
