National / Politics Jun 6, 2023
CDP submits censure motion in bid to delay immigration bill
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
The motion against Justice Minister Ken Saito reflects an increasingly confrontational posture toward Japan's ruling coalition.
National / Politics | FOCUS Jun 2, 2023
Lack of detail on Kishida's plan to fund child care measures draws criticism
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
With a snap election possibly on the horizon, the government is seen as being unwilling to upset voters by increasing the burden on taxpayers.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jun 1, 2023
LDP-Komeito spat spotlights deeper problems in political marriage
by Eric Johnston
That, in turn, has raised questions about the state of their more than 20-year-old coalition, and whether the two sides will take steps to initiate a divorce.
National / Politics May 30, 2023
LDP looks to repair Komeito ties with electoral olive branch
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
While still at loggerheads over the candidate for Tokyo’s 28th district, the LDP no longer intends to field contenders in Saitama’s 14th district and Aichi’s 16th in a possible snap poll.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS May 29, 2023
As snap election rumors grow in Japan, here's how one could play out
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
Political pundits have been contemplating multiple scenarios, ranging from a summertime ballot to an election during parliament's session in the fall.
National May 26, 2023
Government unveils policy outline featuring child care steps but no details on funding
The outline made no mention of how to fund such spending — a sticking point before a snap poll Kishida may call in the coming months.
National / Politics May 25, 2023
LDP-Komeito clash over Tokyo candidate pick threatens broader rift
by Eric Johnston and Gabriele Ninivaggi
Wrangling over five new Lower House seats in Tokyo may be driving a wedge between the coalition partners.
Commentary / Japan May 24, 2023
Why a snap election might be looming for Japan
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
Kishida has denied that he is considering a snap election; but then again, so does every Japanese prime minister when asked about the timing for such a vote.
National | FOCUS May 24, 2023
Japan's political parties prepare as talk of snap election heats up
by Eric Johnston
While Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may or may not call a snap election now that the G7 summit is over, that uncertainty isn't stopping political parties from planning their next moves.
National / Politics May 23, 2023
Bill releasing funds to boost defense spending approved by Lower House
Major opposition parties remain opposed to the bill, largely because they are against raising taxes to boost the defense budget.
National May 23, 2023
Under the plan, the government will increase the number of sectors able to grant foreign workers a special status that effectively grants them permanent residency.
National / Politics | FOCUS May 23, 2023
Kishida more likely to call election as Zelenskyy’s G7 visit boosts support
by Isabel Reynolds
Two polls carried out by newspapers during the two days the Ukrainian leader was in Japan both showed Kishida's support rate surging upward by 9 percentage points.