National / Politics Jan 14, 2023
Ex-Japan defense chief Nobuo Kishi to vacate Lower House seat amid health issues
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is expected to field the 63-year-old's eldest son in an April by-election.
National / Politics Jan 7, 2023
Komeito leader to forgo planned trip to China amid COVID surge
Natsuo Yamaguchi's plans may have been affected by Tokyo's recent tightening of border controls on visitors from mainland China amid a surge of coronavirus infections in the country.
National / Politics Jan 6, 2023
Kishida again puts LDP-DPP tie-up in spotlight with labor union appearance
by Eric Johnston
The DPP is strongly backed by members of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, and the labor group's leader has moved the organization closer to the LDP.
Commentary / World Jan 5, 2023
Prime Minister Kishida’s 2023 survival strategy
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has a tough road ahead, but he is politically savvy and has been adept at making the moves necessary to remain in office so far.
Business / Tech Jan 4, 2023
Both hurt and saved by regulations, what is next for crypto in Japan?
by Kazuaki Nagata and Elizabeth Beattie
Strong regulations may have helped Japan avoid some of the FTX fallout, but some LDP lawmakers are pushing for a loosening of rules to embrace virtual assets.
National / Politics | Outlook for 2023 Jan 2, 2023
In 2023, Kishida's political survival hangs in the balance
by Kanako Takahara
Kishida heads into the new year with diminished political capital, having suffered one setback after another since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination in July.
National Dec 30, 2022
From the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to the reopening of borders amid the easing of the pandemic: The stories that defined 2022 domestically.
National Dec 28, 2022
Taiwan's Tsai welcomes Japan's shift in defense policy amid rising China threat
Former industry minister Hiroshige Seko told the Taiwanese leader Japan's stronger stance "will work as a clear and strong deterrent" against attempts to "change the status quo by force."
National / Politics Dec 27, 2022
Japan's reconstruction minister resigns following funding scandal
by Kanako Takahara
Kenya Akiba has admitted to having two political groups affiliated with him pay ¥14 million to his mother and his wife as “rent” between 2011 and 2020.
National Dec 26, 2022
Kishida to sack scandal-hit reconstruction minister, source says
The prime minister is expected to appoint Tatsuya Ito, who previously served as financial services minister, after Kenya Akiba steps down, the source said.
Commentary / Japan Dec 25, 2022
Pragmatic realism and Japan’s new security strategy
by Stephen R. Nagy
The end of Japanese idealism and pacifism: Tokyo needs a new defensive strategy in order to preserve security within its backyard.
Business Dec 23, 2022
High-ranking LDP lawmaker says TSMC considering second plant in Japan
Yoshihiro Seki, secretary general of a Liberal Democratic Party group on chip industry strategy, also urged the government to provide a favorable environment for investment.