Sources: PM Kishida to leave his own LDP faction after fundraising scandals

TOKYO, Dec 07 (NHK) - Sources say Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio intends to leave the faction he heads in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party while he is serving as prime minister and LDP president.

The LDP has recently faced criticism over allegations that five factions of the party underreported revenues in political funds reports.

Kishida instructed all LDP factions on Wednesday to refrain from holding fundraising events for the time being. He said his party must have a strong sense of crisis.

Members of both the ruling and opposition parties raised points about Kishida remaining faction chief after becoming prime minister. They said the prime minister should distance himself from his faction given the standpoint of political impartiality.

But Kishida dismissed the claims.

Observers say Kishida's latest move shows that he is trying to show a more neutral stance following the scandals.

City of Los Angeles names May 17 Shohei Ohtani Day

or as long as Shohei Ohtani plays for the Dodgers -- which will be at least for the next decade -- May 17 will be known as “Shohei Ohtani Day” in Los Angeles County. (MLB)

Two Die After Consuming Toxic Plant

Two residents of Sapporo who died earlier this month likely succumbed to food poisoning caused by mistakenly consuming toxic autumn crocus, according to the Sapporo City Health Department. The department confirmed on May 17 that the deaths were indeed due to poisoning from this plant.

Japan Approves Joint Custody After Divorce

A revised Civil Code introducing 'joint custody' for children after divorce has been passed by the Diet. This marks the first time in 77 years that Japan has reviewed the approach to post-divorce custody.

'Challenge to Democracy': Tokyo Police Arrest Three Tsubasa Party Leaders

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested three leaders of the political group 'Tsubasa Party' on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act by disrupting the speeches of other candidates during a House of Representatives by-election in Tokyo's 15th district. Investigators view this as a "challenge to democracy" and plan to pursue a thorough investigation.

Experience Future Living in 2050: Space Elevators and Smart Living Rooms

An event allowing visitors to experience life in 2050 has launched in Tokyo, including an elevator which enables transportation to space via a cable extending from a satellite to Earth.

MORE Politics NEWS

'Challenge to Democracy': Tokyo Police Arrest Three Tsubasa Party Leaders

Pension Revisions Spark Debate Over Spousal Benefits

Japan’s pension system is under review, and a key focus is on the "spousal pension" benefits. For homemakers, this is a pressing concern.

Ethics Committee to Review 44 Lawmakers from Abe and Nikai Factions

The House of Representatives' Political Ethics Review Committee has decided to investigate 44 lawmakers from the Abe and Nikai factions of the Liberal Democratic Party following a scandal involving undisclosed political funds. This decision comes in response to a request from opposition parties.

Japan Launches New Project to Address Gender Pay Gap

In Japan, where women's salaries remain at about three-quarters of men's, the government initiated a new project team on April 24 focused on rectifying gender pay disparities.

Drone Captures Japanese Escort Ship and Possible U.S. Carrier

A new video captured by drone featuring the Maritime Self-Defense Force's escort ship "Izumo" has surfaced, with additional footage purportedly showing the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Ronald Reagan" from above.

Environment Minister Apologizes for Muting Minamata Disease Victims

Environment Minister Shintaro Ito has issued an apology for an incident involving the adjustment of microphone levels during a meeting with Minamata disease patients and victims' groups in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Japan's Constitution Day: 77 Years of Democracy and Debate

Constitution Memorial Day, on May 3rd, marked 77 years since the enforcement of the Japanese Constitution. On May 3, 1947, a ceremony to commemorate the enforcement of the Japanese Constitution was held at the Imperial Palace Plaza. Despite the rain, approximately 10,000 people gathered.

Japan's Commitment to Inclusive Employment Highlighted at OECD

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Kishida, as chair at the OECD Ministerial Council, declared his commitment to removing employment barriers facing women and the elderly.

< 2 3 4 5 >