National / Politics Dec 14, 2022
Defense spending debate threatens to divide ruling Liberal Democratic Party
by Eric Johnston
Rather than raising taxes, some LDP lawmakers want the prime minister to issue government bonds.
Business Dec 14, 2022
Japan lawmaker chides crypto watchdog over FTT coin approval
by Takashi Nakamichi and Nao Sano
Disgraced crypto founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s digital assets empire imploded just as Japan was warming up to crypto again.
National / Crime & Legal Dec 14, 2022
LDP lawmaker questioned over underreporting of political funds
The latest in a recent series of scandals involving LDP lawmakers comes as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who heads the party, has been struggling with falling public support for his Cabinet.
National Dec 13, 2022
Controversy grows over proposed use of Tohoku funds to cover defense spending
by Kanako Takahara
The government is eyeing using a special tax designed to finance reconstruction costs for areas affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Commentary / Japan Dec 13, 2022
The politics of Japan's defense spending
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
When Japan first imposed the 1% of GDP defense-spending ceiling , the issue has been a matter of politics and any attempt to breach that threshold has been taboo.
Business | FOCUS Dec 12, 2022
Kishida's plan to fund higher defense spending faces backlash
by Kazuaki Nagata
The prime minister's suggestion of tax increases hasn't gone down well, even among Cabinet members and lawmakers from his own party.
National / Politics Dec 11, 2022
Kishida dismisses using government bonds to finance defense budget hike
by Noriyuki Suzuki
The prime minister says government bonds are not an option to cover defense spending increases due to the financial difficulties they would place on future generations.
National / Politics Dec 10, 2022
Japan's parliament enacts law to prohibit malicious donation solicitations
by Satoshi Iizuka
Aiming to prevent more people from being victimized by controversial religious groups, parliament passed the bill with the support of the ruling bloc and most of the opposition parties.
National / Politics | FOCUS Dec 9, 2022
Amid low ratings and scandals, Kishida scores a win with passage of key bills
by Eric Johnston
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.
National Dec 8, 2022
Donation bill banning coercion clears Japan's Lower House
by Kanako Takahara
The legislation has received the support of major opposition parties after the ruling coalition made amendments to it.
National Dec 8, 2022
Japan's ruling parties eye gradual tax hikes to cover more defense spending
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed his defense and finance ministers to target around ¥43 trillion in defense spending over the five years until fiscal 2027.
National Dec 7, 2022
Japan parties move closer to passing donation bill targeting coercion
by Kanako Takahara
If passed, the bipartisan bill would ban organizations from soliciting donations out of fear and allow donors a path to getting a refund.