Politics | 3

The first-ever discussion between the executives of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito has been held on whether to allow the export of defense equipment, including the "next-generation fighter jet" being developed by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy, to third countries.

A panel of experts has compiled a draft report outlining key issues for the revision of the adult guardianship system, which is designed to manage the property and affairs of individuals with dementia and other conditions on their behalf.

Amid the Liberal Democratic Party's slush fund scandal, taxpayers are voicing their anger, leaving those working at tax filing offices bewildered.

In a public opinion poll conducted by NNN and Yomiuri Shimbun from February 16 to 18, 52 percent of respondents said they did not support any political party, a 4-point increase from the previous January survey.

Since the end of January, North Korea has successively launched three types of ground-attack cruise missiles, including a new type of anti-ship cruise missile.

In an effort to streamline the distribution of subsidies to low-income households, Japan's Digital Agency has commenced the provision of a new system that allows both residents and local governments to complete procedures entirely online.

Starting in April, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has compiled a draft operational policy for the introduction of "ridesharing," where private drivers use their own vehicles to transport passengers for a fee.

Yoko Abe, the mother of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, passed away on February 4th in Tokyo at the age of 95. Born in Tokyo in 1928, Yoko Abe grew up in a prominent political family, being the daughter of Shinsuke Kishi and the niece of Eisaku Sato, both of whom served as Prime Ministers of Japan.