Lower House Election Results Expected Overnight as Early Voter Turnout Tops 20 Million

Oct 27 (News On Japan) - Voting for Japan’s 50th House of Representatives election began this morning, with polls in most areas set to close at 8 p.m. Early indications suggest that preliminary results will be available later tonight.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported a turnout of 19.14% as of 2 p.m., 2.5 percentage points lower than the previous election at this stage. However, over 20.95 million people had voted early by October 26th, marking an increase of approximately 375,000 from the same period last time.

Key issues in this election include political reforms prompted by the Liberal Democratic Party’s internal funding scandal, as well as economic policy debates. A primary focus will be whether the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, Komeito, can secure a combined majority of 233 seats. Voting will conclude at 8 p.m. in most areas, with ballot counting to begin immediately.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Tohoku Shinkansen Cars Unexpectedly Detach

A Tohoku Shinkansen train came to an unexpected stop between Ueno and Omiya on March 6th after its coupled cars separated. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the Hayabusa-Komachi No. 21 train.

Japan to Release Rice Reserves as Prices Surge Past 5,000 Yen for 5kg

Japan’s rice prices have been steadily climbing, with the cost of a 5-kilogram bag rising from 2,430 to 3,297 yen last year and further increasing to 3,949 yen this year, putting pressure on household budgets. To curb these rising prices, the government has decided to release its rice reserves.

Gunkanjima Faces Collapse Risk as Buildings Deteriorate

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

Nara's Omizutori Fire Ritual Marks 1,274 Year

The annual Shunie ceremony, commonly known as Omizutori, has begun at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Carrying large torches, attendants lit the way as monks, known as the Rengyoshu, slowly ascended the steps of Nigatsudo Hall.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

High School Tuition Waiver Agreed, but Experts Warn Costs May Not Decline

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its coalition partner Komeito, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party have reached an agreement to waive high school tuition fees. But what exactly will change under this policy?

Anger Mounts Over Japan's Tax Policy

A demonstration demanding the abolition of the consumption tax and the restructuring of the Finance Ministry took place in front of the ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district on February 24th. The scene at around 5 p.m. was markedly different from the usual atmosphere.

Can Japan Afford the Future? Key Economic Debates on Investment and Tax Reform

Economist Toshihiro Nagahama joined lawmaker Yuichiro Tamaki for an urgent discussion on Japan’s economic policies. The conversation took place against the backdrop of the Ishiba administration’s efforts to pass the 2025 fiscal budget by the end of March, with opposition parties playing a crucial role in shaping policy decisions.

Japan to Allow 'Taiwan' in Family Register

Japan's Justice Ministry has announced that starting in May, it will amend regulations to allow regional names to be listed in the nationality field of family registers when Japanese citizens marry foreign nationals.

Fukuoka to Shelter 47,000 Okinawa Residents if Taiwan Conflict Erupts

Fukuoka Prefecture announced on Monday a plan to accommodate evacuees from Okinawa in the event of a Taiwan-related contingency. Under the plan, seven cities, including Fukuoka City, will serve as temporary shelters.

Debate Stalls Over Japan's Imperial Succession

Representatives from various political parties in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors met on February 17th for a plenary session to discuss measures to secure the number of imperial family members. The debate focused on whether female members of the imperial family should retain their status after marriage.

Why Is Osaka’s Budget at a Record High

Osaka City's 2025 budget proposal is set to reach a record high. While the city's debt has been reduced by nearly half over the past 20 years, financial projections indicate that deficits will persist for the next decade. Why is this happening?

Japan's Visa Easing for Chinese Tourists Sparks Political Debate

Japan’s recent decision to ease visa requirements for Chinese tourists has sparked mixed reactions, with some expecting an influx of visitors and others arguing that the impact will be limited.

< 2 3 4 5 >