Asia Pacific | ANALYSIS Jan 21, 2021

Asia wonders: Can a Biden-led U.S. return to form?

The newly minted U.S. leader is looking to reassure a world wary of capricious American foreign policy during the Trump administration.

National / Politics Jan 19, 2021

Japan's new COVID-19 vaccine czar Taro Kono commits to rapid yet safe rollout

The nation is preparing to vaccinate, starting with medical workers and older people, based on hopes that Pfizer's vaccine will be approved here by mid-February.

National / Politics Jan 18, 2021

Suga vows to restore ‘safety’ and ‘hope’ amid declining approval rate

In a speech to kick off the new Diet session, Suga asked the public to trust his ability to modernize the nation and steer Japan through the COVID-19 storm.

National / Politics | FOCUS Jan 17, 2021

COVID-19 — and a dwindling support rate — top issues for Suga as Diet convenes

The prime minister will seek to pass key COVID-19 measures as he faces flak from opposition parties over his response to the deadly virus.

National Jan 13, 2021

Japan to halt all business travel in new step to curb COVID-19

The government will temporarily suspend the arrangement with 11 Asian countries and regions from Thursday, effectively banning the entry of all nonresident foreign travelers.

National Jan 7, 2021

Emergency declared for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba

The restrictions will enter into force Friday and remain in place until at least Feb. 7, only being lifted when the areas see a significant reduction in key benchmarks.

National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jan 3, 2021

Can Suga lead beyond September or is he destined to be a short-term PM?

Entering a high-stakes election year, the prime minister will be faced with a series of uphill battles over the global health crisis, his policies — and his own political fate.

National | ANALYSIS Jan 1, 2021

Japan to play placeholder role in Asia as Biden gets his house in order

Tokyo will be particularly interested to see how the next U.S. president tackles China, trade, regional security as well as its relationships with Southeast Asia and the two Koreas.

National Dec 25, 2020

Abe apologizes at the Diet for false statements on dinner party funding

The long-running scandal has tainted the legacy of Abe's administration, corroded his credibility and cast a shadow over his successor.

National Dec 23, 2020

Japan to ban new entries from the U.K. amid fears over new virus strain

The government said it will temporarily ban most arrivals from the U.K., though Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with valid residence permits will be exempt.