Upper House passes flag-desecration bill despite constitutional concerns
The Upper House on Friday passed legislation criminalizing the desecration of Japan’s national flag, with support from parts…
LDP abandons fiscal 2026 budget passage this week
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Wednesday gave up on enacting the government’s fiscal 2026 budget bill this…
Opposition parties CRA, CDP and Komeito discuss merger
The Centrist Reform Alliance, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito on Thursday agreed that the three…
CRA leader Ogawa calls for full merger with CDP and Komeito
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito should merge with the Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) fully,…
Constitutional debates intensify in Japan’s parliament as lawmakers discuss emergency clause
Debate on constitutional revision is intensifying in commissions on the Constitution in both chambers of the Diet, Japan’s…
Komeito forced to chart new path after divorce from LDP
In the wake of a turbulent year that solidified Komeito’s steady decline with voters and saw it abruptly…
Tighter immigration rules could tarnish Japan’s image, opposition lawmaker says
Tighter immigration regulations — from stricter business manager visa criteria to hikes in fees — risk damaging Japan’s international…
‘Poor kids join the SDF’ remark reflects deeper debate over Japan’s military
When the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan’s (CDP) Chikage Koga said that volunteers enlisting in the Self-Defense Forces…
A guide to Japan’s political parties … beyond the binary labels
When the ruling Liberal Democratic Party negotiated and forged a new coalition with the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party…
Fiery campaigns in freezing weather: Inside Hokkaido’s No. 4 district race
OTARU – Electoral candidates in a Hokkaido district are braving the cold to get their messages out before…
Parties clash as they brace for a February snap election
Ruling and opposition parties clashed during a Sunday debate over the impending dissolution of the Lower House, the…
CDP and Komeito agree to form new centrist party
The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito have agreed to form a new centrist party…