National / Politics Feb 17, 2021
LDP wants more women at key meetings, but only as silent observers
Requiring female observers at meetings to remain quiet has drawn criticism on social media that the party is out of touch.
National Feb 9, 2021
'Not a problem': LDP No. 2 backs Mori and dismisses volunteer exodus
Toshihiro Nikai said volunteers deciding to quit over Mori's sexist remarks was "momentary," adding he believes "their thoughts will change once the situation settles down."
National / Politics Jan 22, 2021
Diet in review: Suga defensive on virus response but steadfast on Olympics
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Japan's prime minister took heat from one opposition lawmaker after another during three days of question-and-answer sessions.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Jan 16, 2021
The political folly of dodging responsibility in Japan
by Philip Brasor
Politicians caught violating COVID-19 restrictions leave news organizations in a bind
National / Politics | FYI Jan 15, 2021
Indictment of ex-minister Takamori Yoshikawa puts Suga in tight spot
by Eric Johnston
With public support sinking over the pandemic and questions raised over his past statements on Abe's spring party scandal, prosecution of a trusted ally only adds to Suga's woes.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jan 12, 2021
Suga's deference to LDP heavyweight blamed for COVID-19 policy delays
LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai's ties to the tourism industry are believed to have delayed the Go To Travel campaign halt and played a role in slowing a second emergency declaration.
National / Politics | FYI Dec 24, 2020
Generational change and policy differences test LDP-Komeito political bonds
by Eric Johnston
The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito recently marked 21 years of alliance, having ruled Japan as a coalition for 18 of those years. But are they growing apart?
National Dec 16, 2020
Suga under fire for year-end dinners as coronavirus cases mount
by Ju-min Park
Suga's outings came after the government abruptly halted a government travel subsidy program he had long defended.
National / Politics | FYI Dec 15, 2020
Heavyweight Nikai and his scandal-plagued LDP faction ruffling feathers
by Eric Johnston
Allegations of bribery against two former farm ministers now threaten to weaken the Liberal Democratic Party's largest faction and its powerful leader.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Nov 2, 2020
Osaka referendum defeat raises questions about future of city's politics
by Eric Johnston
The focus for many in local political party Osaka Ishin no Kai is now on how — or even if — they can continue under a new generation of leadership.
Commentary / Japan Sep 16, 2020
Breaking down Suga's picks for his first Cabinet
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
With Yoshihide Suga formally appointed as prime minister on Wednesday, all eyes will be watching to see how the newly minted leader will steer Japan.
National / Politics Sep 15, 2020
In shake-up of LDP officials, Suga rewards loyalty while maintaining status quo
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Taro Aso, Toshimitsu Motegi and Toshihiro Nikai will remain, as Japan's next leader looks to tap Katsunobu Kato, public face of the novel coronavirus fight, as spokesman.