National Jan 18, 2021
LDP loses first of series of Okinawa polls in blow to Suga government
A candidate supported by the ruling bloc has lost to an opposition-backed rival in the first of a series of mayoral elections in Okinawa Prefecture.
LDP loses first of series of Okinawa polls in blow to Suga government
A candidate supported by the ruling bloc has lost to an opposition-backed rival in the first of a series of mayoral elections in Okinawa Prefecture.
COVID-19 — and a dwindling support rate — top issues for Suga as Diet convenes
The prime minister will seek to pass key COVID-19 measures as he faces flak from opposition parties over his response to the deadly virus.
The political folly of dodging responsibility in Japan
Politicians caught violating COVID-19 restrictions leave news organizations in a bind
Indictment of ex-minister Takamori Yoshikawa puts Suga in tight spot
With public support sinking over the pandemic and questions raised over his past statements on Abe's spring party scandal, prosecution of a trusted ally only adds to Suga's woes.
Japan's ruling LDP to set up panel to address pandemic loneliness
The crisis has raised concerns over an increase in the number of people suffering due to reasons including loss of employment, school closures and staying at home.
Japan considers prison and fines for refusing COVID-19 hospitalization
A term of up to one year or a fine of up to ¥1 million is being considered for infected people declining inpatient care, an official said, with other related penalties also under discussion.
Suga's deference to LDP heavyweight blamed for COVID-19 policy delays
LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai's ties to the tourism industry are believed to have delayed the Go To Travel campaign halt and played a role in slowing a second emergency declaration.
Ex-farm minister Takamori Yoshikawa to be charged over money scandal
The planned charge against the 70-year-old, who served under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, is expected to deal a blow to Suga's Cabinet.
Suga's virus response slowed by focus on economy and LDP factions
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's declaration of another state of emergency for Tokyo and its surrounding area appears to have come too late, with the government's decision-making process slowed by his prioritization of economic recovery and the manner in which he took office four months ...
Japan parties to forgo making rules on lawmakers' group dining
On Thursday, ruling and opposition lawmakers discussed drawing up group dining rules at a board meeting of the steering committee of the House of Representatives.
Japan's health ministry faces calls for split 20 years after merger
The merged ministry has often taken the brunt of criticism from advocates of additional central government reorganization, partly due to many problems and scandals.
Opposition party pushing divided LDP over separate surnames in Japan
A recent survey of people under 60 has shown more than 70% of respondents were supportive of having the option of separate surnames.