National / Politics | FOCUS Mar 22, 2023
Can Nippon Ishin 'skip' to true national political prominence?
The Osaka-born party faces a make-or-break moment in next month’s series of local elections across the nation.
National / Politics Mar 8, 2023
Documents scandal involving Cabinet minister an untimely political headache for Kishida
The economic security minister has come under fire for files an opposition lawmaker says is proof she was involved in pushing for a legal reinterpretation of the broadcasting law.
Business | FOCUS Mar 6, 2023
Osaka’s exclusion of Dentsu and Hakuhodo expected to impact 2025 Expo
The two companies have been excluded from the event following their indictment over Tokyo Games bid-rigging, but not many ad firms in Japan boast their level of experience.
National / Politics Feb 27, 2023
Yamaguchi by-election puts spotlight on dynastic politics
Nobuchiyo Kishi thought reminding voters of his politician relatives was a good move, but he has been accused of just taking over the family business and not caring about voters' problems.
National Feb 24, 2023
Ukraine would welcome a visit by Kishida, envoy in Japan says
“From our point of view, it’s extremely important for Kishida … to visit Ukraine and see it with his own eyes, in order to be able to feel what is going on,” envoy Sergiy Korsunsky said.
National / Politics Feb 16, 2023
Kishida’s child care plans raise questions about who will pay and how
Details of the proposal have become a hotly debated topic as Japan looks ahead to key local elections in April.
National | EXPLAINER Feb 15, 2023
The continuing saga of the Tokyo Games scandal
The arrest of four more people last week has shaken the Japanese Olympic Committee and dealt a further blow to Sapporo’s quest to host the 2030 Winter Games.
National Feb 13, 2023
Spotlight falls on Japan LGBTQ bill as G7 summit nears
While Kishida has indicated he favors early passage of the bill, opposition from within his own party could make it difficult for it to clear parliament before the May meeting in Hiroshima.
National Feb 7, 2023
Kishida vows to reopen talks on access to graves on Russian-held islands
In response to sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Moscow has suspended visa-free access to the islands for former Japanese residents.
National / Science & Health | OUR PLANET Feb 5, 2023
The Winter Olympics have a climate problem. Could Sapporo be part of the solution?
Sapporo is touting a study showing that among all past hosts, it will be the most climate resilient as the planet warms. But residents are less than enthusiastic about hosting.