National / Politics Jun 9, 2022
Bribery allegations a fresh blow for Japan's beleaguered Lower House speaker
Documents show the team of Hiroyuki Hosoda, who already faces allegations he sexually harassed women, paid cash to local assembly members.
National / Crime & Legal Feb 1, 2022
Court questions October election outcome over vote weight disparity
In the 2021 election, voter disparity levels were above 2.0 in 29 constituencies.
National / Politics Jan 12, 2022
Social Democratic Party at critical moment ahead of summer election
The SDP is at a critical moment as it may lose its status as a political party in this summer's election.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jan 7, 2022
Japan’s largest opposition party faces crucial test in upcoming Upper House poll
by Eric Johnston
For the CDP, success or failure in the vote scheduled to take place in the summer is likely to determine the post-election futures of not only its new leader but the party itself.
National Dec 15, 2021
Three years on, 30% of Okinawa landfill completed for transfer of U.S. Futenma base
The central government is threatening to scale down the budget for economic revitalization in the prefecture for fiscal 2022 in hopes of silencing Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki.
National Nov 28, 2021
Nippon Ishin sticks with Ichiro Matsui as chief even as it seeks younger leadership
by Eric Johnston
Nippon Ishin no Kai, which saw its seat count nearly quadruple in the Lower House election, decided to keep Ichiro Matsui on as leader after deciding not to hold a presidential election
National / Politics Nov 22, 2021
CDP leadership hopefuls vow to stick to guns on unifying opposition candidates for Upper House poll
With the election seen to be a close contest, the four candidates are aiming to attract as many votes as possible.
National / Politics Nov 19, 2021
Four vie to lead Japan's CDP after election disappointment
by Eric Johnston
Whether or not to cooperate with the Japanese Communist Party will be a top issue for the next leader of the nation's top opposition party.
National Nov 19, 2021
Lawmakers backing constitutional amendments now account for more than two-thirds of the seats in the Lower House.
National / Politics | EXPLAINER Nov 17, 2021
The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election
by Eric Johnston
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.
National / Politics Nov 17, 2021
Opposition policy chief Kenta Izumi will run in CDP leadership race
Seiji Osaka, a former special adviser to the prime minister, and Chinami Nishimura, a former senior vice minister of health, labor and welfare, are also expected to run for the post.
National / Politics Nov 16, 2021
Japanese parties announce lawmakers' October allowances will be donated
Political parties have rushed to announce that they will donate the October allowance that was paid in full to Lower House lawmakers, some of whom were only in office for one day.