Campaign kicks off for Japan Upper House poll, a litmus test for constitutional reform and tax hike
The focus will be on whether the LDP and other forces in favor of constitutional amendment will be able to retain their current two-thirds supermajority.
Parties step up pressure on lawmaker Hodaka Maruyama to quit over Russia war remarks
A resolution against opposition lawmaker Hodaka Maruyama came after the government verified remarks he made during a visa-free exchange program between Japan and Russia in May were problematic.
Citing free speech, Japanese lawmaker who alluded to war with Russia refuses to resign
The Lower House member says the Diet, as a place for free speech, is “signing its own death warrant” with the motion.
Japan fears lawmaker's 'war' gaffe may impact isle talks with Russia
Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui condemned remarks by a lawmaker in his Nippon Isshin no Kai party suggesting war as a way for Japan to recapture Russian-held islands off Hokkaido.
Nippon Ishin no Kai lawmaker ousted from party over Russia 'war' gaffe
Hodaka Maruyama was ousted after he asked the head of a group of former residents of disputed islands whether he would support a war with Russia.
Abe likely to use upcoming big events to distract Japanese public from election routs, experts say
The Liberal Democratic Party's defeat in two by-elections on Sunday is likely to prompt the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to use upcoming diplomatic events to deflect domestic attention from recent political setbacks, as he looks ahead to a key Upper House election ...
With opposition fractured, LDP bags over half of prefectural seats in first leg of polls
The results show that support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s party remains firm ahead of the Upper House election set for this summer.
Osaka wrestles with merger plan as campaign for governor kicks off
To merge or not to merge? That is the question Osaka hopes to finally answer as the campaign for Osaka governor kicked off Thursday morning.
Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui eyes second referendum on merger plan during nationwide elections in 2019
Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui announced Monday that a second referendum on whether to merge Osaka's wards might be held during the nationwide local elections in April 2019, six months later than the governor and his supporters originally hoped for. "We haven't given up on a ...
LDP backs away from election promise of 'free education' election promise
Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers tasked with drawing up proposed constitutional amendments approved a plan Tuesday that does not include a guarantee to make all education free. The LDP's decision comes as the party continues to debate proposed revisions, with an aim toward presenting a ...
Nippon Ishin no Kai calls emergency meeting to decide future leadership
Nippon Ishin no Kai will hold an emergency meeting Nov. 25 to discuss whether it is time to elect new leaders as the party struggles with internal dissension following its poor performance in the Oct. 22 Lower House election. "The climax (for our party) will ...
