National / Politics | View from Osaka Sep 19, 2020
Let the Suga-Nippon Ishin bromance begin
by Eric Johnston
Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui and his supporters are breathing easy, knowing their favorite LDP politician is now the prime minister.
National / Politics | EXPLAINER Sep 16, 2020
With Suga as Japan PM, what are the chances of a snap election?
by Eric Johnston
Faced with a weak opposition, the LDP must weigh possible political gains against voter backlash for taking its eye off the COVID-19 pandemic.
National / Politics Sep 5, 2020
Nippon Ishin no Kai sees an ally in Suga in LDP leadership race
by Eric Johnston
Close ties are likely to bode well for Osaka’s efforts to ensure central government financing in next year’s fiscal budget for the 2025 Expo.
National Jul 25, 2020
Osaka governor spearheads national effort to enforce business shutdowns over coronavirus
by Eric Johnston
As COVID-19 numbers surge amid murky data disclosure, Hirofumi Yoshimura is gaining support for legal power to inspect and punish entertainment firms.
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.
