The murky politics behind Japan's campaign financing
Katsuyuki and Anri Kawai are accused of using campaign funds to buy favors, but the use of cash for gift-giving is so prevalent in Japan as to make it difficult to prove.
LDP heavyweight Shigeru Ishiba against dissolving Lower House early
Speculation about a possible general election this coming fall has been rife among political circles.
Snap elections in the fall preferable, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso says
Aso made the remark to a senior lawmaker from Liberal Democratic Party coalition partner Komeito, according to a source.
Tokyo court rejects damages suit by man in forced sterilization case
The court did not rule on whether the obsolete law that mandated the government to stop people with intellectual disabilities from reproducing was unconstitutional.
Average income for Japan's lawmakers fell for first time in four years in 2019
Average income stood at ¥24.27 million, down 8.7 percent from the previous year.
The 2020 post-Abe leadership race
If the prime minister cannot last until the next party presidential election in September 2021, who is best postured to take over?
Ex-justice minister may have bought votes in Hiroshima in 2005 poll
A former assemblyman said he refused to take the envelope, believing it contained cash, and then cut ties with Katsuyuki Kawai.
Senior LDP figures hint at Lower House breakup and election within 2020
Some speculate that such comments are intended to keep LDP members united, at a time when the administration faces strong headwinds over a spate of problems.
Lawmakers offer help to Japanese banks battling fintech firms
The ruling-party lawmakers are looking to make it easier for banks to expand into different industries.
Kawais may have dished out ¥30 million in scheme to buy votes
That leak is based on lists showing who got how much that Hiroshima prosecutors confiscated from the couple's home.
Former top Abe aide and wife arrested in vote-buying scandal
The arrest is a severe blow to the Abe administration, especially because of Katsuyuki Kawai’s closeness to the prime minister and chief cabinet secretary.
