Bold foreign policy moves unlikely as Kishida bides time ahead of Upper House election
Kishida has laid out pressing foreign policy priorities — from a tougher stance on China to bolstering the U.S.-Japan alliance. But don’t expect radical changes from the new leader.
Checks fail to stop early voter, 12, casting ballot in Hokkaido
Election officials acknowledged that the incident occurred due to insufficient checks as they were in a hurry to deal with an onslaught of people casting early ballots.
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 party leaders make final appeals before general election
The ruling bloc is looking to retain a majority in the 465-seat Lower House, with the outcome hinging on dozens of battleground constituencies.
Amid inequality debate in Japan, capital gains tax hike may have unintended effect
Middle-class investors would likely end up paying a larger share than the rich, undercutting the goal of redistributing wealth.
As Japan looks to expand renewable energy, nuclear power's role remains unclear
The status of many nuclear plants in 2030 and thereafter is unclear considering the facilities' 40-year operating limit and other regulatory hurdles.
Pre-election briefing: Here's where the parties stand on the issues
With everything from the pandemic to nuclear power weighing on voters' minds, there has been increased discussion about the direction that Japan should take.
Election pledges on LGBTQ rights boost legislation hopes in Japan
Six opposition parties have promised that they will seek to present bills to the Diet next year to help protect LGBTQ people against discrimination and legalize same-sex marriage.
In Okinawa, ruling party's tough China stance helps win young voters
Older voters are mostly sticking with left-wing parties, mindful of Okinawa's past as one of the bloodiest battlegrounds of World War II.
Investors hedge their bets as Japan readies for first election under Kishida
Will traders be in for a trick or a treat from the Halloween vote?
Voter apathy looms over yet another election in Japan
Efforts are underway to buoy turnout amid widespread political disenchantment, especially among the young. Will more eligible voters exercise their rights during the Lower House election?
