National Jul 25, 2023
Kishida urges ruling parties to speed up talks on defense exports
The statement comes as the government works to bolster the domestic defense industry and expand support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.
News updates, features and commentary related to the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan
National Jul 12, 2023
By reshuffling his Cabinet, Kishida is believed to be attempting to rejuvenate his government's image, a strategy often employed by previous prime ministers.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jul 9, 2023
On security and diplomacy, Abe’s legacy to be felt far into the future
by Jesse Johnson
In the year since Abe's assassination, Japan has undergone a number of monumental shifts in its approach to security and foreign policy, cementing the late leader’s legacy.
National Jul 8, 2023
One year on, Abe assassination leaves controversial issues unresolved
Ties between lawmakers and the Unification Church, as well as rules for holding state funerals, remain controversial a year after the former prime minister was gunned down.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jul 7, 2023
A year after his death, Abe's legacy still looms for both left and right
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
While conservatives lost a key leadership figure, liberals no longer have a clear person to organize opposition around.
National Jul 5, 2023
LDP-Komeito working group agrees on amendment of defense equipment export rules
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
The proposal would allow Japan to export lethal weapons falling under five categories: rescue, transport, surveillance, vigilance and minesweeping.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jul 5, 2023
Cracks in LDP faction once headed by Abe may deepen under group leadership
by Eric Johnston
The inability of the new leaders to unite the faction makes it less powerful than its size would indicate.
National Jun 29, 2023
Japan ruling parties to allow new fighter jets to be exported
The defense minister has said the government will decide whether lethal weapons can be transferred "on a case-by-case basis."
National / Politics Jun 27, 2023
LDP and Komeito try to patch up differences with election deal
by Eric Johnston
The two parties have agreed to endorse each other's candidates everywhere except Tokyo in the next general election.
National / Politics Jun 26, 2023
Kishida’s approval ratings plummet amid troubles with My Number
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
A poll conducted from Friday through the weekend by the Yomiuri Shimbun showed a 15 percentage point drop in the Cabinet’s approval rating compared with last month.
National / Politics Jun 22, 2023
Kishida looks ahead amid speculation over Cabinet reshuffle and LDP leadership changes
by Eric Johnston
Both moves, if made, would be aimed at boosting the prime minister's popularity and strengthening his position within the LDP ahead of an autumn parliament session.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jun 21, 2023
Kishida comes away from parliamentary session with key goals achieved
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
Out of 60 bills it submitted, 58 became law, a 96.7% passage rate — a slight drop from the equivalent session last year, where all 61 bills received parliament's approval.