Motegi Announces Candidacy to Succeed Ishiba as LDP President

TOKYO, Sep 08 (News On Japan) - Following Prime Minister Ishiba's announcement of his resignation on September 7th, moves to select his successor within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are accelerating.

At an extraordinary LDP executive meeting held on the morning of September 8th, Ishiba reaffirmed his intention to step down. The meeting confirmed the party’s plan to hold an extraordinary presidential election to determine the next leader. A proposal has been raised to conduct the election in a “full-scale” format, with combined votes from both Diet members and party members nationwide, on October 4th.

Meanwhile, potential candidates to succeed Ishiba are already beginning to move. Former Secretary-General Motegi, who previously ran in the last presidential race, announced to reporters: “I’m running for the LDP presidency. I want to devote my all to this country.”

Other names being mentioned include former Minister of Economic Security Takaichi, who placed highly in the 2024 leadership contest, and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Koizumi. Candidates are expected to step up their efforts to secure the 20 sponsors required to formally run in the race.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Japan to Release Oil Reserves as Early as March 16

Japan plans to release petroleum reserves as early as March 16 in response to surging crude oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the government also aiming to keep the nationwide average gasoline price at around 170 yen per liter.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Vessel Damaged in Persian Gulf, No Injuries Reported

A container ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines that had remained in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was found to have sustained damage, although no injuries were reported among the crew.

Japan Approves Travel Authorization System

The Japanese government approved a bill on March 10th to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to establish an electronic travel authorization system called JESTA that would screen foreign visitors before they arrive in Japan.

Mid-Winter Temperatures Return, Snow Falls in Central Tokyo

A blast of midwinter-like cold returned to the Kanto region, bringing rare March snowfall as Utsunomiya recorded its heaviest snow in 21 years for the month, while snow also fell in central Tokyo.

Two Men Fall While Climbing Mount Fuji

Two men fell while climbing Mount Fuji shortly before 3 p.m. on March 9th near the New Seventh Station, as authorities launched a rescue operation on the mountain where summit routes remain closed for the winter season.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan Approves Immigration Law Revision to Hike Fees

The Japanese government has approved a bill to revise the Immigration Control Act that would raise the maximum fee for foreigners applying for permanent residency from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen, while under the current law the maximum fee charged for residence-related procedures is capped at 10,000 yen.

Japan–Iran Foreign Ministers Hold Phone Talks Over Gulf Attacks

Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and condemned attacks on civilian facilities in Gulf countries as well as actions threatening navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, urging Iran to halt such activities.

Prime Minister Takaichi Condemns Iran for Attacks on Civilian Facilities

Prime Minister Takaichi met with UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and conveyed Japan’s condemnation of Iran over attacks targeting civilian facilities in neighboring countries.

Japan Prepares Emergency Evacuation

The Japanese government is considering the use of chartered aircraft to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East as tensions in the region escalate, with around 8,000 Japanese nationals currently staying across several countries.

Prime Minister Takaichi Urges Iran to Exercise Restraint

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on Iran to exercise restraint during a Lower House Budget Committee session on March 2nd, as tensions escalated following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, underscoring Japan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at calming the situation in the Middle East.

Japanese Entrepreneur Appears Over 8,000 Times in Epstein Documents

The name of a Japanese figure involved in a national government project has appeared more than 8,000 times in investigative records related to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking and other crimes, sparking controversy and raising concerns over the future of the state-backed initiative.

Tokyo Speeds Up Drive to Eliminate Utility Poles

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has submitted to the metropolitan assembly Japan’s first ordinance proposal that would in principle ban the installation of new utility poles, but how far has the effort to remove poles from above ground across the capital actually progressed?

China Tightens Export Controls on Japan

China has placed 20 Japanese companies and institutions under export controls, in what appears to be a further escalation of countermeasures following remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi concerning a potential Taiwan contingency.

< 2 3 4 5 >