Search - proportional-representation

 
 
JAPAN / FOCUS
Dec 4, 2022

Komeito wary of Unification Church issue ahead of local races

Supported largely by lay Buddhist group Soka Gakkai, the party fears that increased public attention on ties between politics and religion could harm its electoral chances.
JAPAN
Nov 18, 2022

Parliament OKs bill to redraw Lower House electoral map to curtail vote-value disparities

The revised law, which will remove one seat each from 10 prefectures and distribute 10 to five other prefectures, will be put into effect a month after its promulgation.
JAPAN
Sep 18, 2022

Former members of Unification Church rail at politicians who embraced it

The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July has opened a debate over the church and has shone a spotlight on its close ties with the ruling LDP.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / Longform
Aug 29, 2022

How faith and spirituality shape modern Japan

The religious movement behind the grudge held by the man charged with Abe's assassination has cast a fresh light on how religion is perceived and practiced in the nation.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 3, 2022

Claiming risk of false arrest, Japan lawmaker skips start of parliament session

Gaasyy, who is said to be staying in the UAE, was absent from the start of the three-day session despite the Upper House rejecting his application for permission to travel overseas.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 1, 2022

Speculation grows that Komeito leader will stay for further term

Calls are apparently strengthening for Natsuo Yamaguchi to remain in his post as the party gears up for unified local elections next spring.
JAPAN
Jul 10, 2022

Polls open in Upper House election upended by Abe's death

The vote is expected to determine if Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can win the mandate he needs to push forward with his agenda in the coming years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 26, 2022

As election nears, soaring prices hit Japan's households. Should Kishida be worried?

Many believe success for the prime minister means either retaining or adding to the 57 seats secured by his coalition in order to quell dissent and push his policies unchallenged.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 15, 2022

Fruitful parliament session for Kishida ends with some grumbles at the margins

Kishida's first session as prime minister saw a popular stance on Ukraine and a 100% record on bills passed, but inflation and a re-emerging reputation for indecision present some worries.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 8, 2022

How Australia revived the political middle

The outcome of Australia's federal election in May should help to dispel the cynicism that leads many to think that politics never changes anything.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 7, 2022

Five things to know about the LDP going into election

The LDP is enjoying a wide approval margin over the opposition, with nearly a 35-point lead over its nearest competitor, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Nov 17, 2021

The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election

The big winner appeared to be the party's largest faction, now headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while the one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also strengthened its presence.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 12, 2021

Japan’s new foreign minister isn’t a pro-China ‘panda hugger’

While we must see how Hayashi handles Japan's foreign policy in the months to come, one thing is certain, China should not be optimistic that Hayashi will be different from his predecessors.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 9, 2021

Kishida's top diplomat pick highlights growing confidence

Kishida picking Yoshimasa Hayashi to be the foreign minister was a great choice for him. Had Hayashi and others not pushed Kishida, he may not have sought the country's top leadership job.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 9, 2021

Amid leadership change, CDP asks itself deep questions about its future

The next leader will need to wrestle with how to best communicate a positive vision for Japan and what to do about cooperation with the Japanese Communist Party.
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 4, 2021

LDP backs Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for party’s No. 2 role

The choice of Motegi as secretary-general underscores Kishida's desire to stabilize his power base within the party, as the appointee is close to LDP power brokers Shinzo Abe and Taro Aso.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 4, 2021

Unpacking Japan’s post-election narratives

Though the LDP maintained a stable majority, Osaka-based Nippon Ishin no Kai was the biggest winner in the election, securing 41 seats — 31 more than its previous 10.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 2, 2021

Nippon Ishin faces fundamental hurdles to further electoral success

Experts say it's likely that the party will remain official outsiders but mostly align with the ruling coalition's policies.
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.

Longform

Sumadori Bar on Shibuya Ward's main Center Gai street targets young customers who prefer low-alcohol drinks or abstain altogether.
Rethinking that second drink: Japan’s Gen Z gets ‘sober curious’