National Nov 15, 2020
Kono has called for a strict screening of spending plans that seek to take advantage of the government's goal of achieving carbon neutrality in Japan by 2050.
National Nov 13, 2020
Signed, sealed, discarded: Japan to all but scrap hallowed hanko
The radical switch comes as newly installed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga seeks to boost use of digital technology to streamline processes.
National / Politics Oct 28, 2020
Two LDP factions face uncertain future after losing race to Suga
by Eric Johnston
The status of Shigeru Ishiba's group is up in the air, while Fumio Kishida is exploring mergers with other factions to bolster his chances of becoming prime minister.
National / Politics | FOCUS Oct 19, 2020
Could reform mission put Taro Kono on path to succeed Suga?
by Eric Johnston
Driving reforms is giving the media- and social media-savvy 57-year-old the opportunity to raise his political profile by playing to his strengths. Will it be enough?
National Oct 17, 2020
Measure is expected to allow cardholders to change their registered address for a driver's license without having to visit a police station.
National Oct 12, 2020
Japan considered drone fighters under ex-defense chief Taro Kono
The Air Self-Defense Force's aging F-2s are expected to start being retired within two decades. Drones, with no space for a pilot and no safety kit, cost less to build.
National Oct 3, 2020
Taro Kono looks to pinpoint what is demotivating young Japanese bureaucrats
by Kazuaki Nagata
According to a survey of 45,000 government officials, 14.7 percent of males under the age of 30 were planning to call it quits within the next three years.
National Sep 27, 2020
As the new administrative reform minister, Taro Kono declares war on fax machines
by Tomohiro Osaki
Kono said his ongoing crusade against hanko will go a long way toward phasing out the nation’s entrenched fixation on fax.
National Sep 25, 2020
Japan's red-tape 'hotline' open again for gripes, Taro Kono says
Messages will be delivered to related government agencies after being checked by officials of the Cabinet Office and the Cabinet Secretariat.
National Sep 23, 2020
Suga aims to craft outline for Japan's digital agency by year's end
Suga said his administration will also seek to update the conventional basic law on information technology during the ordinary Diet session.
Business / Economy | ANALYSIS Sep 17, 2020
What will 'Suganomics' look like?
by Kazuaki Nagata
Drastic reforms tend to draw fierce opposition. But Suga's administration may be able to take advantage of the pandemic to drive forward challenging policies.