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JAPAN / Politics
Jan 16, 2023

Japan opposition party lawmaker Hakase Suidobashi resigns

The comedian-turned-politician of Reiwa Shinsengumi had stopped his political activities in October last year after being diagnosed with depression.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / Regional Voices: Okinawa
Aug 8, 2022

Political newcomer Sanseito making waves in Okinawa elections

Sanseito, which has strong conservative policies, was formed in 2020 under the slogan, “There is no party we want to vote for, so we are creating one ourselves from scratch.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jul 1, 2022

With LDP victory likely, what's at stake in Japan's Upper House poll?

While the winner seems assured, the exact outcome will determine Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's authority, the prospect of constitutional revision and the smooth working of parliament.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 23, 2022

In Japan's Upper House poll, CDP battles to stay relevant

Seven months after a disastrous Lower House election, the largest opposition party finds itself with low poll numbers and questions swirling about what will happen if it again loses seats.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 20, 2022

Defense and fiscal policy loom large ahead of Japan's Upper House campaign

The ruling LDP is seeking to put an emphasis on defense and diplomacy, but worries over inflation threaten to limit the party's success.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 30, 2021

Growing friction between Kishida and Abe could mean turbulence for LDP in 2022

Tensions between Kishida and the former prime minister appear to be on the rise as Abe seeks to strengthen his faction and influence behind the scenes.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 1, 2021

Failed cooperation effort prompts soul-searching by Japan's opposition

The fielding of unified candidates led to some close races and two major upsets, but political differences ultimately undermined the tie-up in the eyes of voters.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 31, 2021

Voting in Japan's Lower House election kicks off in first test of Kishida’s popularity

All 465 seats — 289 single-member districts and 176 elected under proportional representation — will be contested, with the ruling bloc widely seen as maintaining a simple majority.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 28, 2021

Affluent Tokyo suburb shows why Japan’s opposition can’t keep up

Voters have bad memories of when the CDP last ran the country nearly a decade ago, a three-year span that saw three different leaders and a devastating earthquake and tsunami.
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 / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 22, 2021

The LDP's secretary-general: A combination of CEO and diplomat

The LDP presidential race has put renewed focus on the powerful position, with various party heavyweights looking to get rid of the long-standing incumbent.
EDITORIALS
Sep 29, 2019

Newly formed parliamentary group to be tested

Opposition forces have been fragmented and weak. Maybe, just maybe, that's about to change.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 2, 2019

Is populism finally coming to Japan?

The success of leftist party Reiwa Shinsengumi marks a turning point in Japanese politics.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Mar 4, 2019

Tensions within Japan's LDP rise over backing of ex-DPJ heavyweight Goshi Hosono in Shizuoka poll

The two factions at the heart of the battle have a long history of conflict.
COMMENTARY / Japan / japan since the Meiji Restoration
Oct 22, 2018

Lessons from diplomatic and constitutional history

The 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration presents an opportunity to make a sweeping assessment of Japan's political and diplomatic trajectory over the ensuing years.
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 11, 2018

Debate over LDP's plan to reform electoral system for Upper House heats up

Brushing off opposition anger, the ruling bloc on Wednesday rammed through a Diet panel a contentious bill that will likely make the arcane electoral system even more complicated.
JAPAN / Politics / Decision 2017
Oct 20, 2017

Anchored by Edano's underdog charm, CDP turning into formidable force ahead of election

Yukio Edano was the face of Japan during the unprecedented nuclear crisis that hit Fukushima Prefecture in 2011, leading numerous news conferences as the government's top spokesman.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 29, 2017

1,021 to run in Japan's Lower House election on Oct. 22: poll

A total of 1,021 people were planning to run in the Oct. 22 general election as of Thursday, according to a Jiji Press survey taken after the dissolution of the House of Representatives the same day.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (center right) makes a speech Sunday in Soka, Saitama Prefecture, along with Komeito leader Keiichi Ishii (center left).
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 14, 2024

General election campaigning to kick off Tuesday

Rocked by a political funds scandal that engulfed the party and led to the dissolution of most of its factions, the LDP faces its toughest election since 2012.
Komeito chief Keiichi Ishii leaves the party's headquarters in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on Sunday. Ishii, who was elected party president just one month ago, failed to secure a seat in the Upper House election.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 28, 2024

Komeito chief's Lower House loss raises questions about party's future

Keiichi Ishii, who was elected party leader last month and did not stand for proportional representation, fell short in his bid to win a Saitama district seat.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers questions from lawmakers at the Diet in Tokyo on Tuesday.
EDITORIALS
Nov 7, 2025

Domestic issues dominate prime minister's strong Diet debut

It was a solid performance that was, not surprisingly given her minority government and the new coalition that she heads, short on details.

Longform

Bear attacks have dominated Japanese news headlines in recent months, with 13 people so far having been killed by the animals.
Japan’s bears have been on their killing spree for more than 100 years