National Mar 17, 2022
Sanctions on Russia are also about protecting Japan, says Taro Kono
by Tim Kelly
Some officials in Tokyo, including Kono, worry Russia's attack on Ukraine could embolden Beijing to act against Taiwan.
National Feb 9, 2022
Former vaccine chief Taro Kono vocal over slow booster rollout
Kono has said that the booster rollout should be "done the same way we did it" under the Suga administration and that "vaccination vouchers should be distributed quickly."
National Feb 4, 2022
Japan will take flexible approach on entry ban, COVID-19 minister says
The government will present a policy covering whether to ease the entry rules as early as next week, a report said.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Dec 25, 2021
COVID-19 continued to dominate media coverage in 2021. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
by Philip Brasor
Domestic papers turn their attention to the plight of foreign residents, while we hand out gongs for Japan’s media personalities of the year.
National Dec 23, 2021
Former vaccine chief Taro Kono says Japan should hasten booster rollout
by Isabel Reynolds and Shoko Oda
Kono’s comments came just after Japan confirmed the first cases of community transmission of the omicron variant.
National / Politics | EXPLAINER Nov 17, 2021
The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election
by Eric Johnston
The big winner appeared to be the party’s largest faction, now headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while the one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also strengthened its presence.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Oct 30, 2021
The political advantages of the ‘parent lottery’
by Philip Brasor
The term "oyagacha" is widely used for the idea that "you can't choose your parents." When you're born into a political dynasty, however, that's not such a bad thing.
National / Politics | FOCUS Oct 24, 2021
Is Taro Kono politically dead?
by Tomohiro Osaki
Effectively demoted after his unsuccessful LDP leadership bid, the former vaccine czar needs to maintain his public popularity while hoping the party's views move closer to his own.
National / Politics Oct 8, 2021
Kishida calls for new economic approach in first policy speech
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Kishida on Friday vowed to transform the Japanese economy by implementing a “new model of capitalism," identifying growth and the distribution of wealth as “mutually necessary.”
National / Politics Oct 4, 2021
Challenges await as Kishida takes reins as Japan's prime minister
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Fumio Kishida is taking over as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. But his first job will be securing his mandate.
Commentary / Japan Oct 4, 2021
What Kishida's Cabinet picks tell us
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
It is important to look at not only who gets tapped, but which LDP factions they represent.
National / Politics Oct 1, 2021
Abe's influence weighs heavily on Kishida's LDP executive picks
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Newly installed LDP chief Fumio Kishida officially unveiled the ruling party's new executive lineup Friday, elevating a close ally of the former prime minister to the No. 2 role.