Inflation is Japan’s political hot potato as election looms

Jul 07, 2022 | News On Japan

Jul 07, 2022 (The Star) - The rising cost of living is turning into a thorny political issue ahead of Japan’s upper house election this weekend, as opposition parties peg blame for recent price hikes on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s policies.

While Kishida’s ruling coalition is set to win a majority, public discontent over inflation may undermine efforts to strengthen his grip on power and phase out the legacy of his predecessors’ economic policies.

Already, rising prices are taking a toll on the strong popularity Kishida had enjoyed since taking office in October, with a poll by public broadcaster NHK on July 4 showing his approval rating at 54%, down from 59% three weeks earlier.

Fuka Sato, a 28-year-old stylist working at a magazine publisher, said she will vote for an opposition party for the first time in her life.

“I feel extremely insecure about the future,” said Sato, who said she eats out less often and gave up buying fruit because it became too expensive.

Soaring commodity costs, fuelled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, pushed Japan’s consumer inflation above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the first time in seven years.

While the rate of inflation is still modest by global comparisons, it has shocked a population that has not experienced steady inflation for decades and hasn’t seen wages rise enough to compensate for the cost of living.

Toyota to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in 2027

Toyota Motor will begin operating fully autonomous taxis in 2027 through a partnership with U.S. self-driving technology company Waymo, marking a major step in the Japanese automaker's efforts to expand driverless transportation services.

Mount Fuji Puts on First Snowcap

Mount Fuji has received its first snowcap of the season, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced on October 30, after temperatures at the summit plunged to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, marking the arrival of winter conditions on Japan's highest mountain.

Chinese Female Spy Suspected of Targeting Nvidia Chief

U.S. intelligence agencies suspect that a Chinese female intelligence operative developed a close relationship with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in an attempt to obtain confidential corporate and U.S. government information, according to a report published by The New York Times on October 29th.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

The Japanese government has asked major telecommunications operators to forcibly block access to websites believed to contain personal information stolen in a cyberattack on GMO, it emerged on October 29th, as authorities moved to prevent further exposure of sensitive data online.

Typhoon No. 31 Heads Toward Japan's Remote Islands

Typhoon No. 31 was located near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, as of 3 a.m. on October 30, and was expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo over the October 31-November 1 weekend while maintaining very strong intensity, bringing a growing risk of dangerously high waves, powerful swells and extremely rough seas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Bankrupt Yubari City to Complete Debt Repayment Next Year

The city of Yubari in Hokkaido, which declared financial collapse 20 years ago, is preparing to complete repayment of approximately 35.3 billion yen in debt by March 2027, paving the way for lower property taxes, improved municipal employee salaries, and a renewed focus on public services.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

Japan and Germany Agree to Launch New AI Dialogue Framework

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on October 28 that Japan and Germany had agreed to establish a new high-level dialogue framework on artificial intelligence following talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Tokyo, marking a step toward closer cooperation between the two countries in emerging technologies.

Japan Demands Release of Journalist Detained in Russia

Japan has confirmed that a Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper reporter detained in Russia since October 13 is in good health following his first consular visit, with the government reiterating its demand for his immediate release.

Japan Plans New Laws to Strengthen Intelligence Capabilities

The Japanese government has outlined plans to introduce new legislation requiring individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their activities, as part of efforts to strengthen Japan's intelligence capabilities and prevent improper foreign interference.

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who became the country's 91st prime minister in 2007 and made history as the first son of a former prime minister to hold the country's highest political office, has died at the age of 90, leaving a legacy that includes navigating a divided parliament, advancing consumer protection reforms, and securing an international agreement on climate change at the 2008 G8 summit in Hokkaido.

US Marine Charged With Robbery and Murder of Woman in Okinawa

A 20-year-old US Marine stationed in Okinawa was indicted on October 25 on charges of robbery and murder after allegedly strangling a woman to death at a hotel in Naha and stealing her backpack containing a wallet and other belongings.

Takaichi Government Marks One Year With Approval Ratings Above 60%

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked the first anniversary of her administration on October 21 with approval ratings still above 60%, supported by her forceful political messaging and extensive use of social media, although growing dissatisfaction over rising prices and the slow delivery of economic policies is beginning to weaken support, particularly among younger voters.

< 2 3 4 5 >