National / Crime & Legal Jan 6, 2020
Nippon Ishin lawmaker Mikio Shimoji admits taking money in casino scandal
The Lower House member says he may resign from his political party.
National / Politics Oct 3, 2019
Abe clears decks for debate on amending Japan's Constitution
by Eric Johnston
When the extraordinary Diet session convenes on Friday, 15 government-sponsored bills are expected to be submitted — one of the lowest totals since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's second stint started — reflecting his administration's determination to focus its energy on revising the Constitution. But coming ...
National / Politics Sep 11, 2019
Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of favoring his political allies rather than making merit-based appointments in his Cabinet reshuffle Wednesday, while also questioning the timing of the announcement given that parts of Kanto are still recovering from Typhoon Faxai. "It is a Cabinet ...
National / Politics Sep 1, 2019
Scandal-hit Japanese lawmaker says 'war the only way' to take back Takeshima
by Jesse Johnson
A lawmaker who drew fire earlier this year for remarks suggesting the need for Japan to wage war with Russia to retake islands held by Moscow has made a similar claim that nothing short of conflict would allow for Japan to retake the disputed ...
National / Politics Jul 4, 2019
Campaign kicks off for Japan Upper House poll, a litmus test for constitutional reform and tax hike
by Tomohiro Osaki
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.
National / Politics Jun 5, 2019
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.
National / Politics May 20, 2019
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.
National / Politics | FOCUS May 15, 2019
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.
National / Politics May 14, 2019
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.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Apr 22, 2019
Abe likely to use upcoming big events to distract Japanese public from election routs, experts say
by Tomohiro Osaki
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 ...
National / Politics Apr 8, 2019
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.