National / Politics Jul 20, 2022
Abe's faction faces uncertain future following his assassination
With Abe no longer in charge and no clear successor waiting in the wings, the caucus is experiencing internal dissent.
National Jul 15, 2022
Kishida sets high nuclear power target that Japan may struggle to meet
Unclear plans for restarts, combined with the threat of legal challenges and the need for inspections at operational facilities, could stymie efforts to bring more power stations online.
National Jul 14, 2022
Japan expands eligibility of fourth COVID-19 vaccine
Despite rapidly rising cases of the BA.5 omicron subvariant, the government says it won't take further action beyond encouraging social distancing.
National / Crime & Legal Jul 13, 2022
Former executives ordered to pay Tepco ¥13 trillion over Fukushima disaster
Presiding Judge Yoshihide Asakura said the possibility of a major tsunami-related accident could have been avoided if measures to prevent flooding had been taken.
National / Politics Jul 11, 2022
Japan's opposition parties ponder leadership after election drubbing
Any celebrations of relief for CDP, or success for Nippon Ishin, may be tempered by concerns over who will take over the reins in the years ahead.
National / Politics Jul 9, 2022
Lower House redistricting plans in focus after Abe’s death
The ruling LDP is facing tricky political questions in the late PM's home prefecture of Yamaguchi, with the answers likely to impact a Lower House district realignment plan.
National Jul 7, 2022
Japan’s oldest and youngest political parties court disaffected voters
Despite similarities in their platforms, the two parties' voting blocs come from completely different generations.
National / Politics Jul 5, 2022
Rising cost of farming casts shadow over Upper House race in Hokkaido
Higher fertilizer and animal feed prices are putting the prefecture's key agriculture sector under pressure, making inflation an even bigger issue there than the rest of the nation.
National | New Normal 2.0 Jun 27, 2022
Japan prepares for bounce in tourism, but pre-pandemic demand still far off
Destinations such as Niseko in Hokkaido are gearing up for "revenge travel" by domestic and foreign tourists, but caution over COVID-19 limits the expected rise in numbers.
Travel Jun 27, 2022
Hokkaido sake brewer looks to post-COVID gastro-tourism market
While Kyoto and Hiroshima are likely be the go-to choices for many first-time visitors to Japan, Hokkaido could be a tempting travel experience for those visiting again.