National Jun 24, 2022
Nippon Ishin and DPP face struggle to differentiate themselves in election
Past cooperation with each other — and with the LDP — is weighing on the two opposition parties ahead of the Upper House election on July 10.
National / Politics Jun 23, 2022
In Japan's Upper House poll, CDP battles to stay relevant
Seven months after a disastrous Lower House election, the largest opposition party finds itself with low poll numbers and questions swirling about what will happen if it again loses seats.
National / Politics Jun 9, 2022
Japan's Lower House rejects no-confidence motions against PM and speaker
While the outcome was never in doubt, the votes may indicate a larger split between the opposition parties.
National / Politics Jun 8, 2022
Opposition CDP submits no-confidence motions ahead of election
CDP leader Kenta Izumi has lambasted Lower House speaker Hiroyuki Hosoda over sexual harassment allegations and targeted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s response to price hikes.
World May 30, 2022
New Australian leader Anthony Albanese focuses on countering China's Pacific influence
Heading into the election, the Labor Party platform emphasized that its defense and foreign policy would start with increased cooperation with the Pacific islands.
Business | ANALYSIS May 24, 2022
The IPEF, already a tough sell for Biden at home, seen as limited in scope
American businesses continue to look on jealously at an existing major Asia-Pacific trade pact, which they say offers greater precision and economic impact.
Business May 23, 2022
Biden launches Indo-Pacific Economic Framework with 13 nations including Japan
The IPEF is an attempt by the U.S. to reassert its economic leadership in the region after it withdrew from a major Asia-Pacific trade pact in 2017 under Donald Trump.
National | ANALYSIS May 20, 2022
Amid energy supply woes, Japan looks to the U.S. as an LNG source
Biden’s coming visit to Japan is an opportunity for Washington and Tokyo to expand bilateral energy cooperation, including increased fossil fuel exports by the U.S.
National | FOCUS May 15, 2022
Tourism and logistics: Okinawa's latest plan to boost its economy
Under its latest economic plan, Okinawa aims to raise its gross prefectural product from ¥4.1 trillion in fiscal 2020 to ¥5.7 trillion by 2031 and reduce its jobless rate from 3.6% to 2.5%.
National | ANALYSIS May 12, 2022
Japan’s main labor group is drawing closer to the LDP. Some say too close.
Closer ties between Rengo and the ruling LDP would deeply concern opposition leaders, who rely on the union's 7 million members for electoral support.