To fight pandemic, Japan keeps fiscal tap wide open on budget spending requests
The lack of spending cap on requests aimed at fighting COVID-19 suggest the heavily indebted nation will ramp up efforts to revive the virus-hit economy.
G20 finance chiefs warns of sharp contraction from pandemic
The Group of 20 also discussed extending its debt relief program for developing nations and new tax rules for online giants Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook.
G20 finance chiefs hold teleconference on coronavirus pandemic
Finance Minister Taro Aso and Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda participated with the aim of revisiting the issue of debt relief for developing countries.
Finance Ministry names new top bureaucrat and currency diplomat
The Finance Ministry reshuffled its top brass Tuesday, with Budget Bureau chief Mitsuru Ota promoted to the highest-ranking bureaucrat and International Bureau head Kenji Okamura to the currency diplomat. Ota, 60, who has been leading the bureau tasked with compiling state budgets since July 2018, ...
For some in LDP, Koike's Tokyo win strengthens case for snap poll
Landslide triumph for the incumbent in Sunday's gubernatorial election underscored the current weakness of the opposition and voters' preference for the status quo.
Powerful Japanese medical group has history of political prescriptions
Here’s a closer look at the group, its political connections and what the recent change in its leadership might mean for the Liberal Democratic Party.
LDP heavyweight Shigeru Ishiba against dissolving Lower House early
Speculation about a possible general election this coming fall has been rife among political circles.
Snap elections in the fall preferable, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso says
Aso made the remark to a senior lawmaker from Liberal Democratic Party coalition partner Komeito, according to a source.
Japan's low virus deaths reflect high 'cultural standards,' says Taro Aso
Finance Minister Taro Aso said Thursday that Japan's relatively low mortality rate from the new coronavirus reflects the country's higher "level of cultural standards." "I have received phone calls (from overseas) asking 'Do you have any drug that only you guys have?' My answer is ...
Japan finance and BOJ chiefs vow in rare meeting to use all tools to combat virus fallout
The pair vowed to deploy all necessary fiscal and monetary policy tools to combat the widening fallout from the pandemic.
Abe administration faces flak over hesitancy to compensate virus-hit businesses
Regional governors have rebuked the government over its hesitance to take bold financial measures, leaving many business owners no choice but to stay open amid the pandemic.
Behind the scenes, an LDP power struggle over record-size economic package
As the Cabinet approved a record-breaking emergency stimulus package Tuesday, the deep-seated rivalries it has amplified within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were hidden from view.
