Shinzo Abe

The approximately ¥8 million in question was allegedly spent over five years from 2015 for the dinner functions at two hotels in the capital.

Tokyo eyed equivalent of a U.S. "freedom of navigation operation" near man-made islands, but fears of seriously harming bilateral ties nixed plans.

The referendum law revision bill, first submitted under the Abe administration, has been repeatedly carried over since being introduced and is now in its eighth Diet session.

As Suga is merely serving out the remainder of Abe's term, he will soon have to fight for the job again.

The testimony contradicts what was written in memos left by former bureau official Toshio Akagi, who killed himself in 2018.

The administration thought "it was not appropriate to hire them as civil servants" based on their past opposition to his Liberal Democratic Party's security and anti-conspiracy legislation.

Japan has little choice but to continue to strengthen its alliance with the United States to deal with its security challenges in the region. There is no Plan B.

Tokyo mum as it watches Washington edge toward an electoral crisis that threatens to take American focus off of the region.

Tuesday's U.S. presidential election is being watched closely in Tokyo by those keen to anticipate its impact on the direction of bilateral relations in years to come.

With a Lower House poll due within a year, the LDP-led government plans to place emphasis on electoral cooperation with Komeito, which is cautious of the move.

With the abduction issue continuing to inform the Suga administration's North Korea policy, the government must adjust its approach if it hopes for progress.

New prime minister hopes to rally public support rate in speech before lawmakers that could affect any decision on when to hold the next general election.