LDP survey shows 121 lawmakers had substantial ties with the Unification Church
The degree of ties varied, with some lawmakers having been interviewed in a publication linked to the religious group, while two were found to have received organizational election support.
Kishida defends state funeral for Abe as 'appropriate' during parliamentary debate
Some opposition parties have criticized Abe's nationalistic views, with the Japanese Communist Party saying it will boycott the state funeral, claiming it is unconstitutional.
Mr. Play-It-Safe prime minister is living dangerously
Fumio Kishida’s approval ratings are tanking. The prime minister must be more proactive to ensure his political longevity.
A man who genuinely cared: Mourning the real Shinzo Abe
Though the slain former Japanese prime minister belonged to the hawkish wing of his party, he was not the unbending nationalist conservative that many foreigners deemed him to be.
Ex-Unification Church senior official calls donation coercion a serious problem
In a rare interview given under his real name, the former chuch executive said it has imposed an unreasonable quota for donations that has led to many members going bankrupt.
Unification Church and the LDP: A scandal or a witch hunt?
Japan performs a balancing act with political parties and how closely they should be allowed to work with religious groups.
Kishida says LDP to sever all ties with Unification Church
The prime minister acknowledged that revelations surrounding lawmakers’ ties to the religious group over recent months have eroded public faith in politics.
New Nippon Ishin leader promises to continue co-founder’s policies
Despite recent electoral gains, the second largest opposition group in parliament must learn to appeal to voters outside Kansai and further distinguish itself from the ruling LDP.
State funeral for slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to cost ¥250 million
Public opinion has been divided on holding a state funeral for Abe. The most recent state funeral in the nation was held in 1967 for former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida.
The death of Shinzo Abe must not be in vain
At the onset of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's second administration, the expectations were low. However, the perception of him changed over time as a result of his accomplishments.
At a time of political transition, Nippon Ishin ponders its next leader
The Osaka-based party could become more prominent on the national stage by aligning itself more closely with the LDP, but the risk of a split looms too.
