An initiative to reuse soil generated during decontamination work in Fukushima Prefecture after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident has started at central government ministries in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo.
Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has decided to run in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential race.
The first hearing for former House of Councillors member Ohno Yasumasa and his secretary, charged with violating the Political Funds Control Act over an alleged slush fund tied to Liberal Democratic Party fundraising parties, was held at the Tokyo District Court on September 10th. Ohno pleaded not guilty, saying, "I have never committed a crime."
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is entering a leadership contest as factional infighting deepens, with the outcome set to shape responses to inflation and the realities of minority governance. Opposition parties are preparing to invoke Article 53 of the Constitution to demand an extraordinary Diet session, arguing that a prolonged political vacuum is unacceptable.
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.
Agriculture Minister Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Takaichi tied as the top choices to succeed Prime Minister Ishiba in a JNN poll, with Ishiba himself ranking third. Support for the Ishiba Cabinet rose to 37.7% in September, while 41% of respondents said he should resign after the Upper House election defeat and 49% said he should not.
Prime Minister Ishiba announced on September 7th at a press conference that he would step down, formally declaring his resignation. He also indicated that he would not run in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race, which he asked to be brought forward.
Prime Minister Ishiba’s declaration to remain in office has triggered a surge in moves within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to unseat him. The party’s top four executives have announced their resignations, and former Prime Minister Aso has endorsed bringing forward the leadership election.