Japan's junior ruling coalition partner Komeito gets new leader

Sep 19 (NHK) - Japan's ruling coalition partner Komeito is getting a new leader for the first time in 15 years.

Komeito is the junior partner to the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Chief Representative Yamaguchi Natsuo announced last week that he is stepping down when his eighth term expires on September 28.

On Wednesday, the party began accepting candidates for the election to choose Yamaguchi's successor.

Secretary General Ishii Keiichi was the only one who registered, so he was chosen without a vote.

The 66-year-old Ishii is currently serving his tenth term in the Lower House. He is from the North Kanto proportional representative bloc.

Ishii served as land, infrastructure and transport minister and as head of the party's policy research council. He has been the party's secretary general since 2020.

Speaking at a news conference, Ishii vowed to spearhead efforts to implement various policies as a partner in the ruling coalition.

He also said he plans to appoint more young people and women to key party posts.

Ishii said he assumes the next Lower House general election to be held as early as October 27 or November 10, and he will make preparations accordingly.

Hermes Birkin Breaks Record as Japanese Collector Pays 1.47 Billion Yen

A first-generation Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at a Paris auction for approximately 1.47 billion yen, marking the highest price ever paid for a handbag. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector, and the sale was held by Sotheby’s.

Japan to Tighten Rules for Foreign License Conversion

The National Police Agency has announced a plan to tighten regulations on converting foreign driver's licenses to Japanese licenses—a process known as "gaimen kirikae"—by no longer allowing short-term visitors such as tourists to apply.

Massive Swarm of Dragonflies Terrifies Locals in Fukushima

A sudden swarm of dragonflies blanketed the skies over a residential area in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, stunning local residents and prompting reactions ranging from unease to delight.

Japan Deploys Osprey to New Saga Base

The Ground Self-Defense Force has deployed its first V-22 Osprey to a newly opened base in Saga, with all 17 aircraft to be relocated from Chiba by mid-August as part of Japan’s shift to strengthen defense in the southwest region.

UNESCO Sides with Japan on Gunkanjima Heritage Dispute

Japan’s position on its handling of World Cultural Heritage sites, including Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) in Nagasaki City, has been upheld by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which rejected South Korea’s demand for a renewed review of Japan’s efforts.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Immigration Policy Debate Focuses on Labor Shortage and Social Friction

With Japan facing a labor shortage due to its aging population, immigration policy has emerged as a key issue in the upcoming Upper House election in July. On July 9th, the topic was discussed in depth by news program “It!”, which highlighted public concerns and political stances regarding the role of foreign nationals in Japanese society.

Japan Deploys Osprey to New Saga Base

UNESCO Sides with Japan on Gunkanjima Heritage Dispute

Should Foreigners Be Restricted from Buying Homes in Japan?

As Japan's Upper House election approaches, party leaders debated whether restrictions should be placed on foreign property ownership. Amid soaring housing prices—especially in Tokyo where secondhand condominium prices now exceed 100 million yen—seven of the eight major political parties expressed support for some form of regulation on foreign homebuyers.

Trump Doubts Trade Deal with Japan, Hints at 30–35% Tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about reaching a trade agreement with Japan and hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs of 30% to 35%.

Trump Again Slams Japan for Auto Trade Imbalance, Refuses Tariff Concessions

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again voiced strong dissatisfaction with Japan over automobile tariffs, a key issue in ongoing trade talks between the two countries, criticizing Japan for not importing American cars and calling the situation unfair.

Former Abe Faction Officially Dissolves After Political Funds Scandal

The former Abe faction of the Liberal Democratic Party has officially dissolved after submitting a dissolution notice as a political organization to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications. The faction had already decided to disband in January 2024 in response to a series of political funds scandals.

Japan Remembers Eighty Years After the Battle of Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture observed its annual Day of Remembrance on June 23rd, commemorating the more than 200,000 Japanese and American lives lost in the Battle of Okinawa during the final stages of the Pacific War.

< 2 3 4 5 >