With tourism to Japan having fully resumed, developers are once again looking at the Niseko area as a place to invest and build. But can it be done sustainably?
The move comes as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pushes continued use of older nuclear plants in the years ahead to meet national carbon reduction goals.
Kishida, who had been pushing for tax increases in stages, was forced to back off from a specific timetable as opponents press for alternate funding.
Rather than raising taxes, some LDP lawmakers want the prime minister to issue government bonds.
The IOC’s announcement could further complicate the city’s effort, as bid supporters and opponents face off next year — especially in April’s local elections.
In a parliamentary session rocked by Cabinet resignations and controversy over the Unification Church, the prime minister was able to eke out some political wins.
Despite hope that winter tourists will return, some in Niseko's service industry may have to make do with limited staff.
While Hokkaido is facing a strain on total available hospital beds, the percentage of those being used for seriously ill patients is small.
While praised for making quick and strong decisions early in his prime ministership, lately Kishida has been criticized for dragging his feet amid scandals.
Terada’s exit is likely to further damage the prime minister’s public approval ratings and raise questions about his political future.
