Commentary / World May 10, 2023
Don’t forget the conservative core that churns in Japan
by Brad Glosserman
The outside world should not be beguiled or misled by exaggerated claims about a “new Japan.”
National / Politics | FOCUS May 9, 2023
Motegi attempts to raise profile in possible challenge to Kishida
by Eric Johnston
The powerful LDP Secretary-General, however, is not seen as a favorable choice for prime minister by many in Japan.
National / Politics May 4, 2023
LDP resistance imperils passage of LGBT law before G7 summit
by Satoshi Iizuka
Even if the envisioned legislation is put into force, Japan would still lag behind other G7 nations that have already instituted laws prohibiting discrimination against sexual minorities.
National / Politics May 1, 2023
Support for Kishida tops 50% amid speculation of early election
by Isabel Reynolds
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Cabinet saw its support rate rise to more than 50% in a Nikkei newspaper poll for the first time in eight months.
National / Politics | FOCUS Apr 30, 2023
Nippon Ishin’s 'hop, skip and jump' election strategy faces one final leap
by Eric Johnston
The Osaka-based Nippon Ishin faces a long final jump in order to achieve its goal of winning enough seats in the next general election to become Japan’s main opposition force.
National Apr 28, 2023
Refugee bill takes key step after OK from committee in Japan's Lower House
by Kanako Takahara and Gabriele Ninivaggi
Passage was secured after four ruling and opposition parties agreed to changes, including on offering training to immigration officials who will conduct the refugee screening process.
National / Politics Apr 27, 2023
Japan ruling bloc and two opposition parties agree to revise immigration law
The ruling bloc and two opposition parties have agreed to revise a controversial bill that, if passed, would enable authorities to deport individuals who apply repeatedly for refugee status.
National / Politics Apr 27, 2023
LDP will try to pass LGBTQ law ahead of G7 summit
by Yuki Hagiwara
Japan is alone among the G7 wealthy democracies in not having laws to ban discrimination against LGBTQ people or give legal recognition to same-sex unions.
National Apr 26, 2023
Japan ruling parties hold first talks on easing weapon export rules
The LDP hopes to lift a virtual arms export ban by easing Japan's guidelines on the overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology drawn up under its pacifist Constitution.
Commentary / Japan Apr 25, 2023
Japan’s political landscape after the unified elections
by Michael MacArthur Bosack
The ruling LDP and its junior coalition partner saw most of their candidates succeed across the country in Sunday's unified elections. The exception is where Nippon Ishin no Kai surged.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Apr 24, 2023
Kishida rules out snap poll after LDP wins big in Sunday by-elections
by Eric Johnston
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party received a welcome boost Sunday night as four of five LDP-affiliated or supported candidates won key parliamentary by-elections.
National / Politics Apr 23, 2023
Voting underway for five by-elections amid snap election rumors
The outcome of the polls has drawn attention since it could affect Kishida's decision on when to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election.