National Feb 27, 2022
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is set to soon conduct a survey on extra work hours for hospital doctors, ahead of the April 2024 introduction of overtime regulations.
National Feb 7, 2022
30% of Japan's areas with LGBTQ partnership system have mutual accords
Under reciprocal agreements between local governments, documents issued when the couple first applied for the partnership can also be used in future municipalities of residence.
National | FOCUS Jan 24, 2022
Nago election result a boost for ruling coalition and a blow to anti-base movement
by Eric Johnston
The loss of the Nago mayoral candidate opposed to the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the city spells trouble for Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki.
National / Politics Jan 24, 2022
In Okinawa, Nago mayor defeats anti-U.S. base transfer rival
The result will come as a relief to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is pushing for the relocation of the Futenma U.S. military base to the city's Henoko coastal area.
National Jan 17, 2022
All of Japan's 47 prefectures sent officials to disaster areas, survey shows
Dispatched officials have engaged in such support services as supplying water, managing evacuation centers, risk assessment of affected buildings and issuing disaster certificates.
National Dec 26, 2021
The Japan Tourism Agency is conducting trials at five locations to promote local revitalization through new tourism services using digital technologies.
National / Politics Dec 21, 2021
Tokyo's Musashino rejects proposal to let foreign residents vote
The proposal, which would allow voting in local referendums, drew flak online, with critics saying it could be a step toward granting foreign residents suffrage in national elections.
National Dec 14, 2021
Citing local needs, Kishida defends use of coupons in financial aid plan
by Eric Johnston
One estimate has shown that administrative costs for the central government would more than triple to ¥96.7 billion if coupons are included in the handouts to young people.
National Dec 14, 2021
Musashino assembly panel OKs bill on foreign national voting rights
The draft ordinance calls for allowing both Japanese and foreign nationals age 18 or older who have lived in the city for at least three months to vote in referendums.
National / Politics Dec 13, 2021
Kishida reverses government’s position on cash handout
by Satoshi Sugiyama
After weeks of a vacillating central government and frustrated local officials, the reversal raises questions about intraparty cooperation.
National Dec 12, 2021
Local pressure pushes government to change course on cash handouts
by Eric Johnston
The cash handouts are aimed at supporting young people in need, assisting child rearing households and boosting the nation's consumption.