Japanese Prime Minister Kishida apologizes for Cabinet minister's resignation

TOKYO, Oct 26 (NHK) - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Tuesday named a replacement for his Economic Revitalization Minister. Yamagiwa Daishiro resigned Monday after heated opposition criticism for his links to the religious group formerly known as the Unification Church.

It had been revealed that he attended multiple meetings of the church and related organizations and met at least twice with the widow of the church's founder.

Yamagiwa had repeatedly said he didn't recall the events.

At the Lower House session on Tuesday, opposition parties criticized Kishida for letting Yamagiwa stay on too long.

Ohsaka Seiji of the Constitutional Democratic Party said, "Yamagiwa responded by saying over and over again that he had no recollection. The public got sick and tired of hearing his totally irresponsible reply."

Asano Satoshi of the Democratic Party for the People criticized Kishida saying, "Prime Minister Kishida is also to blame for what has happened, because he was so slow to make an important personnel decision."

Kishida says he takes seriously the fact that he appointed Yamagiwa to a cabinet post in the first place.

He said, "I will accept the criticism from the opposition, and work extra hard to ensure that there will be no delay in implementing all important policy programs that the government is working on."

Kishida appointed former health minister Goto Shigeyuki of the Liberal Democratic Party as the new economic revitalization minister. ...continue reading

Torrential downpours have left six people dead, two missing

Torrential downpours in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture have caused river flooding and mudslides across the Noto region. Six people are dead and two are reported missing. (NHK)

First Snow of Season Observed at Mount Rishiri

Signs of winter are already arriving. Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido recorded the first snowfall of the season on Sunday, making it the first observed in Japan this year.

Flying Car Shows Potential for Disaster Relief

A test flight for flying cars was conducted in Wakayama Prefecture on Saturday, reaching an altitude of 40 meters, demonstrating stability in windy conditions.

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

China to Lift Japanese Seafood Ban

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan and China have reached an agreement that will lead to the resumption of China's imports of Japanese seafood. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Kishida, Biden: Japan and US remain partners for international order

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and US President Joe Biden have touted each other's contributions to their countries' bilateral ties. Kishida is leaving office soon, just months ahead of Biden's end of term. (NHK)

Japan's junior ruling coalition partner Komeito gets new leader

Japan's ruling coalition partner Komeito is getting a new leader for the first time in 15 years. (NHK)

Sources: China aircraft carrier navigates Japan's contiguous zone for 1st time

NHK has learned that a Chinese aircraft carrier briefly entered Japan's contiguous zone early on Wednesday. (NHK)

Japanese boy attacked near school in China dies, consulate says

A ten-year-old boy who was attacked on his way to a Japanese school in southern China has died of his injuries. (NHK)

Poll: Ishiba Leads as 'Next LDP Leader' with 26%, Koizumi Follows with 20%

A public opinion poll conducted by TV Tokyo and The Nikkei asked who would be most suitable to become the next leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who would effectively serve as the Prime Minister of Japan.

Japan's LDP leaders officially kick off campaign

The race to select the new leader of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has officially kicked off. Nine people are running, a record high under the current system. The winner is expected to become the country's next prime minister. (NHK)

Koizumi Pushes for Rapid Political Reforms

Shinjiro Koizumi has set his sights on running for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aiming to achieve three major reforms within one year: 'political reform,' 'regulatory reform,' and 'expanding life choices.'

Separate Surnames for Married Couples: Why Japan Still Says No

The ongoing debate over the legalization of separate surnames for married couples in Japan is a topic that has polarized both politicians and the public for over three decades.

< 2 3 4 5 >