Books / Reviews Aug 22, 2020

'The Iconoclast' tackles Shinzo Abe’s political legacy

Tobias Harris’ sweeping new biography serves as a definitive work on Japan’s longest-serving prime minister.

National / Politics | ANALYSIS Aug 20, 2020

Biden expected to push teamwork with Japan and Asian allies if he wins

An administration under the Democratic candidate would stress cooperation and coordination on defense, trade and other regional issues, experts say.

National / Reference | EXPLAINER Aug 19, 2020

New political party set to become Japan’s largest opposition force

The new group, likely to count around 150 lawmakers as members, could pose a serious challenge to the ruling coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito.

National / Politics | View from Osaka Aug 15, 2020

Under cloud of pandemic, Osaka referendum remains a key issue for Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura

More in Osaka are asking whether the vote should be postponed until after the coronavirus crisis has passed.

National / History Aug 14, 2020

After 75 years of peace in Japan, wartime issues remain unresolved

Japan has struggled to move on from its World War II history, yet remains tied to events that happened in the aftermath.

National / Reference | EXPLAINER Jul 5, 2020

Powerful Japanese medical group has history of political prescriptions

Here’s a closer look at the group, its political connections and what the recent change in its leadership might mean for the Liberal Democratic Party.

National / Politics | FOCUS Jun 20, 2020

Osaka's second merger push faces pitfalls from pandemic, Abe's poll woes

Osaka voters will once again face a referendum on merging the city’s 24 wards following a decision on a plan that would create four large, semiautonomous wards.

National / Politics | EXPLAINER May 13, 2020

Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura: From man of the hour to future prime minister?

Over the past few weeks, the governor has gone from being a locally liked politician to a national media darling.

National May 4, 2020

Governor moves to get Osaka back in business by mid-May despite pandemic

Despite the state of emergency, the governor appears eager to get businesses reopened before the government's expected extension ends.

National / Politics | EXPLAINER May 3, 2020

Necessary or not? The LDP's proposed emergency powers clause for the Constitution

73 years since the Constitution took effect, arguments on revising it have focused on the war-renouncing Article 9. But the coronavirus has prompted a different proposal.