National / Politics Aug 1, 2022
Speculation grows that Komeito leader will stay for further term
Calls are apparently strengthening for Natsuo Yamaguchi to remain in his post as the party gears up for unified local elections next spring.
National May 18, 2022
Yamaguchi also asked Kishida to hold a meeting of the G7 foreign ministers in Nagasaki next year, when Japan will hold the G7's rotating presidency.
Business | FOCUS Apr 6, 2022
As Japan's politicians call for big spending amid price hikes, some question the timing
by Kazuaki Nagata
With an Upper House election approaching in July, economists have pointed out that the move appears to be politically motivated.
National / Politics Mar 25, 2022
LDP's junior partner Komeito to propose economic relief package
by Leika Kihara and Kaori Kaneko
Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi also urged the Bank of Japan to maintain its massive stimulus program "for a bit longer" to ensure a solid recovery in the economy.
National / Politics Jan 2, 2022
Komeito chief calls for Japan to create Asian security framework
by Jesse Johnson
Natsuo Yamaguchi proposed that Japan take the lead in establishing an Asian architecture that would include China and the U.S. in a bid to stem soaring regional tensions.
National Oct 15, 2021
Japanese coalition partner raises doubt about higher defense spending
Komeito is more moderate on security than the LDP but a disagreement on the increase in defense spending is unlikely to derail the partners' goal.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jun 17, 2021
Caught in the middle? Komeito and the China-Japan relationship
by Eric Johnston
While many in the LDP have welcomed international pressure on China, the deteriorating bilateral relationship creates problems for the party's coalition partner Komeito.
National / Politics Jan 22, 2021
Diet in review: Suga defensive on virus response but steadfast on Olympics
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Japan's prime minister took heat from one opposition lawmaker after another during three days of question-and-answer sessions.
National / Politics | EXPLAINER Dec 24, 2020
Generational change and policy differences test LDP-Komeito political bonds
by Eric Johnston
The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito recently marked 21 years of alliance, having ruled Japan as a coalition for 18 of those years. But are they growing apart?
National Dec 16, 2020
Suga under fire for year-end dinners as coronavirus cases mount
by Ju-min Park
Suga's outings came after the government abruptly halted a government travel subsidy program he had long defended.
National / Politics Oct 1, 2020
Japan voters want virus tamed, not a snap poll, says Komeito chief
by Isabel Reynolds, Takashi Hirokawa and Emi Nobuhiro
Komeito, backed by a lay Buddhist group and led by Natsuo Yamaguchi, provides vital local support for the ruling LDP in elections.