National Aug 2, 2021
Japan's ruling party policy chief seeks Diet debate on virus lockdown
A Japanese law covering measures against the novel coronavirus states that restrictions on individual rights must be kept to a minimum, however.
National Aug 1, 2021
Veteran LDP lawmaker says Olympic medals will give party electoral boost
Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said that athletes doing well at the Games would give the party "great strength" ahead of an election expected in the fall.
National Jul 23, 2021
With virus cases having been reported among Olympic athletes and officials, the situation is far from being a safe and secure Olympics, which the prime minister aimed to achieve.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jul 20, 2021
Tokyo poll result cements Yuriko Koike's status as a political survivor
by Eric Johnston
After Koike’s Tomin First no Kai performed better than expected in the election, speculation has grown that she might once again migrate back to national politics.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jul 19, 2021
From LDP 'prince' to punchline: What happened to Shinjiro Koizumi?
by Tomohiro Osaki
In addition to being regularly lampooned on social media, the environment minister has struggled to maintain his influence amid COVID-19 and as a Cabinet insider.
National Jul 19, 2021
Saito, a 43-year-old former head of the finance section of the Osaka prefectural government, was supported by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai.
National / Politics Jul 17, 2021
'No surprise': Suga indicates intention to run for another term as LDP leader
The prime minister also indicated he was unlikely to shuffle his Cabinet prior to the next House of Representatives election, due to be held by autumn.
National Jul 16, 2021
Suga Cabinet approval falls to record low 29.3% in Jiji poll
The figure, down 3.8 percentage points from June, is the first reading below 30% for a Japanese Cabinet since July 2017.
Commentary / Japan Jul 16, 2021
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
Factions matter in the LDP because they are critical for selecting who becomes the party president and hence who becomes prime minister.
National | FOCUS Jul 16, 2021
Suga in danger of becoming another of Japan's revolving-door prime ministers
by Linda Sieg
The 72-year-old has seen his support rate sink to just over 30% from around 70% when he took office last September.
National Jul 15, 2021
Former education minister Yoshimasa Hayashi vows to switch to Lower House
Former education minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Thursday he will run in the next election for the House of Representatives to switch from the House of Councilors.