National | FOCUS May 16, 2021
Objections from experts forced Suga to take a U-turn on virus emergency
Experts pushed the prime minister to add three prefectures to the state of emergency despite his concerns over the economy.
National May 14, 2021
Suga Cabinet support rate falls to record 32.2% in Jiji poll
The decline in support — a 4.4 percentage point drop from April — likely reflects the severe coronavirus infection situation in the country.
National May 14, 2021
The doubts are in sync with public opinion, with about half of the population calling for cancellation, according to media opinion polls.
National May 12, 2021
Japan Medical Association head apologizes for party amid virus restrictions
Toshio Nakagawa said he should have made a "careful judgment," regarding the event, which was held by a lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
National / Politics | FOCUS May 9, 2021
Abe rallies conservative base amid speculation over comeback
by Eric Johnston
More than eight months after health issues forced him to resign as PM, Abe is moving to re-establish his power base among younger Liberal Democratic Party conservatives.
National May 6, 2021
Bill to amend law on vote to revise Japan's Constitution likely to pass Diet
The pro-revision ruling Liberal Democratic Party agreed Thursday to a request from the opposition to adjust the draft law, clearing its path.
National / Politics May 4, 2021
Abe urges LDP members to use 'common sense' and support Suga in party poll
Suga's term concludes at the end of September, making it necessary for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to hold an election to pick its next leader.
National May 3, 2021
Amending Japan's Constitution takes a back seat for the ruling LDP under Suga
At an annual party convention in March, the prime minister did not discuss the matter in detail.
National May 1, 2021
Opposition lawmakers in Japan speaking out against holding Tokyo Games
"We need to be serious about considering options including canceling the events to protect the lives of the people," said Kenta Izumi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
National / Politics | FOCUS May 1, 2021
Lower House election unlikely until after Tokyo Games as virus surges
Suga now plans to put more of his energy into the fight against COVID-19 as he looks to shore up support for his Cabinet.
National May 1, 2021
80% of Japanese support a reigning empress as pool of heirs shrinks
How to ensure a stable succession to the chrysanthemum throne has become an urgent task since Emperor Akihito, 87, relinquished the throne in 2019.