National / Politics Jul 22, 2019
by Tomohiro Osaki
In a post-election news conference, Abe said his longtime goal isn’t out of reach and he will to try to compromise with those working against him.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jul 22, 2019
Abe's push to amend Japan's Constitution faces uncertain future after Upper House vote
by Eric Johnston
Undaunted by the failure to capture a two-thirds supermajority in the upper chamber, Abe pushes on with his goal to rewrite the charter, with an eye on Article 9.
National / Politics Jul 22, 2019
Despite a record number of women winning seats in Sunday's Upper House election, some female voters have expressed doubts about the government's commitment to empowering women. In Sunday's election 28 women won seats, matching the figure seen in the previous Upper House election in 2016 ...
Business Jul 22, 2019
Japanese business leaders count on reform progress after ruling coalition's victory
Business leaders welcomed the ruling coalition's victory in Sunday's Upper House election, voicing hope that the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will facilitate progress in improving social security programs and restoring fiscal health. "In this fall's extraordinary Diet session, to sweep away worries about ...
National / Politics Jul 22, 2019
by Tomohiro Osaki
To many voters, the election was a chance to endorse or repudiate the Abe administration’s performance since he returned to power in December 2012.
National / Politics | Commentary Jul 22, 2019
In wake of election, a host of foreign policy challenges await Abe
by J. Berkshire Miller
After Sunday's election, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party — along with its coalition partner Komeito — remains firmly in the saddle with a strong majority in both the Upper and Lower Houses of the Diet. While the results of the poll were not surprising, they ...
National / Politics Jul 21, 2019
Japan's opposition parties score upset in Akita but lose in Fukushima
Shizuka Terata, an independent jointly backed by four opposition parties, scored a major upset in the Upper House race in Akita Prefecture on Sunday by defeating incumbent Matsuji Nakaizumi of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Kyodo News said. The seat was considered one of the ...
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jul 21, 2019
After Upper House election, ruling bloc bets political cost of tax hike will be limited
by Eric Johnston
The hike is expected to generate an additional ¥5.7 trillion in annual revenue, of which ¥2.8 trillion will be used to defray the national debt.
National / Politics Jul 21, 2019
Voters express concerns over Constitution, sales tax and lack of viable opposition
by Ryusei Takahashi, Masumi Koizumi and Magdalena Osumi
Constitutional revision, a consumption tax hike and the future of the pension system were on the minds of voters as they took to polling stations across the country to cast their ballots in the triennial Upper House election on Sunday. Reporters from The Japan Times ...
National / Politics Jul 20, 2019
Trump says he's ready to mediate Japan-South Korea row if asked
U.S. President Donald Trump says he is ready to help reduce tensions between Japan and South Korea over trade and wartime labor disputes if the two allies seek his help.
National Jul 20, 2019
Tepco to decommission reactors at Fukushima No. 2 nuclear plant
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. will formally decide to decommission the Fukushima No. 2 nuclear plant after informing the prefectural governor.