Editorials Jul 8, 2022
Japan is a democracy, so the attack on former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nara on Friday is an attack on us all.
Business / Economy Jul 7, 2022
Strong support validates Kishida's world-defying inflation policy ahead of vote
by Toru Fujioka and Isabel Reynolds
The prime minister has endorsed the Bank of Japan’s unorthodox stance of keeping borrowing costs at rock-bottom levels even as inflation heats up.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jul 7, 2022
Record number of women and LGBTQ election hopefuls run to shake up Japan politics
by Eduardo Martinez and Mariko Tamura
Out of 545 candidates, 181 women are campaigning in the triennial elections, attempting to win one of the 125 seats up for grabs in the 248-seat Upper House.
National / Politics Jul 6, 2022
Japanese party leaders solidify their campaign lines as vote nears
From "facing up to adverse currents," to "be angry together, and make your voices heard," party heads are pushing their messages in the final days before Sunday's Upper House poll.
National / Politics Jul 6, 2022
Japan ruling bloc tipped to win over half of Upper House seats in election
The LDP and Komeito are tipped to grab more than 63 — a simple majority — of the 125 seats up for grabs, with the ruling party projected to gain over 60. Komeito is expected to retain 14.
National / Politics Jul 5, 2022
Rising cost of farming casts shadow over Upper House race in Hokkaido
by Eric Johnston
Higher fertilizer and animal feed prices are putting the prefecture's key agriculture sector under pressure, making inflation an even bigger issue there than the rest of the nation.
National | EXPLAINER Jul 1, 2022
With LDP victory likely, what's at stake in Japan's Upper House poll?
by Will Fee
While the winner seems assured, the exact outcome will determine Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's authority, the prospect of constitutional revision and the smooth working of parliament.
National | FOCUS Jul 1, 2022
Ukraine war puts spotlight on defense budget hike in Japan election
by Keita Nakamura
Polls show that the public is split on an increase in defense spending.
National / Politics Jun 29, 2022
Japan's ruling LDP holds highest pre-election support at 28%: poll
In the survey, 28.3% of respondents said they will vote for the LDP, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, when casting ballots under proportional representation.
National Jun 26, 2022
As election nears, soaring prices hit Japan's households. Should Kishida be worried?
by Will Fee
Many believe success for the prime minister means either retaining or adding to the 57 seats secured by his coalition in order to quell dissent and push his policies unchallenged.
Commentary / World Jun 24, 2022
Five things to know about Japan's opposition parties going into the election
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
Unseating incumbents is usually difficult, but media outlets and observers are giving opposition parties even less a chance than usual of scoring big wins.
Business / Corporate Jun 24, 2022
Japan emphasized hybrids in policy document after lawmaker cited lobbying from Toyota head
by Makiko Yamazaki
The wording changes, which included adding a reference to "so-called electric-powered vehicles," appear to put hybrids on equal footing with zero-emission battery vehicles.