National / Politics | FOCUS Jul 9, 2021

Will Suga's Olympic gamble pay off?

Suga may have been counting on the Tokyo Olympics to buoy public sentiment before a general election this year. Instead, the games could turn into his biggest liability.

National / Politics | FOCUS Feb 15, 2021

Vaccine gives Suga a 'lifeline' as electoral future in doubt

The prime minister has put the issue front and center in his messaging to the public over the past month as the "decisive factor" for bringing the pandemic under control.

National / Politics | FOCUS Aug 29, 2020

Race to succeed Abe kicks off with no clear favorite

The frontrunners include LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

National Feb 27, 2020

IAEA chief says Fukushima water release plan meets global standards

The comment by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi comes amid strong opposition from local fishermen and neighboring South Korea to the plan to the release the radioactive water.

National / Politics | FOCUS Aug 22, 2019

Despite subtle overtures, Japan-South Korea dispute likely to drag on

Recent signs that Japan and South Korea are making subtle overtures to each other have raised hopes that they are moving toward de-escalating their diplomatic feud. But while their foreign ministers agreed Wednesday to continue dialogue, it remains unclear what a compromise that would satisfy ...

National / Politics May 17, 2019

Iran won't negotiate with 'bully' U.S. over nuclear deal, says Tehran foreign minister in Tokyo

Iran's foreign minister says he is not interested in negotiating with the United States after it pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reinstated stifling economic sanctions on Tehran. "No, there is no possibility for negotiations," Mohammad Javad Zarif said when asked in an ...

National / Politics | FOCUS Apr 16, 2019

Abe eyes diplomatic win with Xi Jinping visit but faces balancing act between China and U.S.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will likely be eager to take advantage of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Japan to flaunt his diplomatic clout, especially in an election year. But Abe will need to play a careful balancing act between cozying up to China ...

National / Politics Mar 21, 2019

Japan's weakening economy may force Abe to take corrective action ahead of local and Upper House elections

A recent spate of warning signs that the economy is headed for a downturn means the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may need to take corrective action sooner rather than later. Worsening conditions — and upcoming elections — could push Abe to beef up ...

Business Feb 13, 2019

Not so much obliged: More Japanese women buying Valentine's chocolates for themselves, not colleagues

More and more women in Japan are abandoning the tradition of giving obligatory chocolates to male coworkers on Valentine's Day, instead using the occasion to treat themselves. The trend reflects shifting societal norms and consumer attitudes in the country, creating new opportunities and challenges for ...

Business / Economy Jan 28, 2019

Taro Aso pledges to keep Japan's economy strong as October's consumption tax hike looms

The trick will be to keep household spending steady.