National Dec 25, 2020
Panel proposes simplified flood evacuation advisories for Japan
The government will also be allowed to set up response headquarters when there is only a risk of disaster, enabling it to act quicker.
National Dec 20, 2020
Japan governors seek clarity on plans for Go To Travel campaign
Many governors criticized the government's abrupt decision to suspend the domestic travel program for the entire country, saying the move created confusion.
National Dec 18, 2020
Governors seek criteria for resuming and extending Go To Travel
The chairman of the National Governors' Association asked the government to notify citizens ahead of time if it plans to prolong the suspension period.
National Nov 6, 2020
Japan's governors flag shortfall in state grants to ease COVID-19 pain
According to the National Governors' Association, all 47 prefectures had seen shortfalls in aid with the total estimated at ¥613.4 billion as of Oct. 1.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Nov 2, 2020
Osaka referendum defeat raises questions about future of city's politics
by Eric Johnston
The focus for many in local political party Osaka Ishin no Kai is now on how — or even if — they can continue under a new generation of leadership.
National / Politics Nov 1, 2020
Osaka voters say no to merger. Again.
by Eric Johnston
The referendum defeat dealt a heavy blow to the Osaka Ishin no Kai local political group, with Mayor Ichiro Matsui vowing to retire at the end of his term.
National Oct 30, 2020
Government asks local authorities and firms to extend New Year's break
A government subcommittee on the coronavirus has proposed extending the holiday period through Jan. 11.
National Oct 29, 2020
Local governments consider using AI to rate severity of bullying cases
In the past, the Otsu Board of Education was not able to properly handle some bullying cases as its officials had to check one by one hundreds of reports.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Oct 24, 2020
Hokkaido municipalities gamble on a nuclear future, but at what cost?
by Philip Brasor
Nuclear waste site survey applications reflect muddled official policy about what to do with the country's spent nuclear fuel
National / Politics Oct 19, 2020
Party officials take to streets to campaign ahead of Osaka referendum
The plan calls for reorganizing Osaka into four special wards with a high level of autonomy in order to eliminate overlapping administration.