National Apr 22, 2022
Group of over 100 lawmakers visit Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine
Hidehisa Otsuji of the ruling LDP and head of the group said that they "prayed for world peace that is on the precipice" amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
National Apr 1, 2022
The Dubai Expo is over. Next stop: Osaka
by Eric Johnston
Due to the Dubai event's one-year postponement, Japanese organizers have just three years, instead of the usual four, to finalize preparations.
National Jan 26, 2022
Former PM Naoto Kan under fire for comparing Nippon Ishin to Hitler
On Wednesday, Fumitake Fujita, secretary-general of Nippon Ishin, visited the CDP headquarters and submitted a written protest over the tweet by Kan.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jan 16, 2022
Kishida gears up for test of his mettle in parliament ahead of key election
by Satoshi Sugiyama
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.
National / Politics | Outlook 2022 Dec 31, 2021
2022 will offer key tests of Kishida's ability to grow into PM role
by Satoshi Sugiyama
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.
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 / Politics | FOCUS Dec 5, 2021
Omicron threatens to blunt Kishida’s momentum as parliament session begins
by Satoshi Sugiyama
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.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Dec 4, 2021
Opposition party sets sights on expense allowances
by Philip Brasor
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.
National / Politics | FOCUS Nov 12, 2021
Opposition tie-up could herald new debate on constitutional revision in Japan
by Eric Johnston
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.
National / Politics | FOCUS Nov 10, 2021
With momentum on his side, Kishida ready to roll out key policies on COVID-19 and economy
by Satoshi Sugiyama
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.