Kishida gears up for test of his mettle in parliament ahead of key election
Success for the prime minister depends on how well he oversees the passage of a record-breaking fiscal 2022 budget — all while tackling COVID-19 and fending off opposition challenges.
2022 will offer key tests of Kishida's ability to grow into PM role
An upcoming Upper House poll and the omicron variant are among the things that will test the prime minister's capacity to build on successes and lessons from 2021.
Citing local needs, Kishida defends use of coupons in financial aid plan
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.
Omicron threatens to blunt Kishida’s momentum as parliament session begins
Confusion over tough entry restrictions prompted by the new COVID-19 variant has thrown a wrench into the leader's plans while emboldening the opposition.
Opposition party sets sights on expense allowances
Japan’s lawmakers each receive ¥1 million per month to help pay for things such as postage and transportation, regardless of how many days the recipient works.
Opposition tie-up could herald new debate on constitutional revision in Japan
In what could be the start of an opposition party realignment, Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People have begun working together to push the issue in parliament.
With momentum on his side, Kishida ready to roll out key policies on COVID-19 and economy
While Wednesday's legislative session to re-elect Kishida might have appeared to be ceremonial, one thing is clear: He is now on a much more solid footing within the LDP.
The LDP needs new faces for the 2022 election, the CDP a new strategy
While many people remain uncertain why the LDP achieved such a comfortable victory, the election results suggest that voters wanted reforms and a generation change.
Nippon Ishin faces fundamental hurdles to further electoral success
Experts say it’s likely that the party will remain official outsiders but mostly align with the ruling coalition’s policies.
Japan's ruling bloc likely to keep comfortable majority in election, poll shows
The LDP and Komeito could together win more than 261 seats, enough to effectively control all standing committees in the Lower House and push their legislative agenda forward.
Loss of LDP majority could open up range of coalition options
With 465 seats up for grabs and opposition parties teaming up in some districts, the results of this year's Lower House election are far from certain.
