LDP Leadership Candidates Debate With High School Students

TOKYO, Sep 29 (News On Japan) - Five candidates vying for the Liberal Democratic Party presidency held a debate with high school students, emphasizing long-term strategies for Japan’s economy and other policy areas.

The discussion took place on the evening of September 28th, when 40 students joined the contenders in exchanging views on fiscal education policies, foreign relations, and Japan’s long-term economic direction.

Takayuki Kobayashi, former minister in charge of economic security, said: "I want to create a Japan that leads the world. There was once a time when Japan was called Japan as No.1. I want to bring back that momentum again."

Former LDP secretary-general Toshimitsu Motegi stressed the need for uniqueness: "Rather than Japan as No.1, it should be Only One. Japan should become a society that, while maintaining its individuality, is indispensable to the world."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted the importance of flexibility: "I want to create a society where people have choices, where they can pursue what they want to do, and even if they fail once, they can still choose other paths."

Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi focused on crisis management and growth: "What I want to emphasize is investing in crisis management to drive growth. Japan has a wealth of cutting-edge technologies that can help solve global challenges. By investing in them, we can ensure growth."

Agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi reflected on past LDP support: "During the Abe administration, young people supported the LDP because they believed the economy and their lives would improve. I want to enrich both the economy and daily life, so everyone can pursue what they love."

With just five days left until the leadership election, candidates are stepping up regional visits to broaden support as the race to succeed Shigeru Ishiba enters its decisive stage.

Source: TBS

Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

A new chapter opened in Japan’s political history on October 21st as Sanae Takaichi was elected the nation’s first female prime minister. Following her appointment by the Diet, Takaichi declared that her new cabinet would be one of “decision and progress,” pledging to move swiftly on policies from the very first day.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan’s LDP and Ishin Seal Coalition Deal

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) leader Hirofumi Yoshimura held a joint press conference in Tokyo after signing a coalition agreement. The deal aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and policy alignment on economic reform and national security.

Maebashi Mayor Refuses to Step Down Over Scandal, Salary Slashed 50%

Maebashi Mayor Akira Ogawa announced his decision to remain in office during an emergency press conference held on October 17th at 3:30 p.m., following public criticism over a scandal involving a meeting with a married city employee at a hotel.

Former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama Dies at 101

Former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who served as Japan's 81st prime minister and led the country through major events including the 1995 Kobe earthquake, passed away on the morning of July 14th at a hospital in Oita City. He was 101 years old.

Race for Prime Minister Intensifies as Coalition Fractures

The departure of Komeito from the ruling coalition has thrown Japan’s political landscape into deeper uncertainty, as attention now turns to the prime minister selection vote expected to take place in the Diet next week. With the Liberal Democratic Party’s new president Takaichi aiming for the top post, the outcome will hinge on shifting alliances and last-minute negotiations among rival parties.

Fukuoka Assembly Members Forego Costly 18-Karat Gold Badges

Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly decided on October 14th to replace its traditional 18-karat gold member badges with gold-plated ones, in response to soaring gold prices that recently hit a record high.

Komeito’s Exit Triggers Fierce Battle Over Japan’s Next Prime Minister

The abrupt collapse of the long-standing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Komeito coalition ahead of the upcoming prime ministerial vote has thrown Japanese politics into flux, complicating the path for Takaichi to take office and intensifying behind-the-scenes maneuvering among all major parties. Takaichi, who visited the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) headquarters earlier this week, was met with criticism over remarks describing an opposition figure as “damaged goods,” a sign of heightened tensions just two days before Komeito’s dramatic departure from the coalition.

Tamaki Rules Out Alliance With CDP

The Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki reaffirmed on October 11 that his party will not cooperate with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) in unifying opposition candidates for the upcoming prime minister designation vote in the next extraordinary Diet session.

LDP-Komeito Coalition Collapses

Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

< 2 3 4 5 >