National Apr 19, 2021
New agency intended to put Japan’s child policies under one roof
by Eric Johnston
Currently at least five different government bodies are in charge of policies related to children, often causing confusion among parents.
National Apr 15, 2021
In break from official line, LDP No. 2 floats Tokyo Games cancellation
by Ryusei Takahashi
"What is the point of the Olympics if it helps spread the virus further?" said LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai on a television program.
National / Politics Apr 4, 2021
No-confidence motion would trigger an election, LDP heavyweight says
Ruling party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai also said the government may need to draw up a supplementary budget for fiscal 2021 amid the lingering coronavirus pandemic.
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.