Akihisa Nagashima Resigns from the Democratic Party
One of the most prominent conservative lawmakers resigns from the leading opposition Democratic Party. He likely won’t be the last.
All posts by Michael Penn
Diet Debate Begins on Conspiracy Bill
House of Representatives debate on the Conspiracy Bill begins. The controversial legislation expected to become “the main event” of this Ordinary Diet Session as the government and the opposition parties draw battle lines.
Abe Cabinet Endorses Anti-Democratic Education
The Abe Cabinet itself is now openly endorsing and defending the Imperial Rescript on Education, in spite of the fact that both houses of the Diet denounced the document in June 1948 as a handmaiden to wartime Japanese militarism.
Abe Government Fails in South Korea Diplomacy
The decision by the Abe government to return Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine to Seoul and Consul-General Yasuhiro Morimoto to Busan represents a total failure of Japan’s current approach to diplomatic relations with its closest neighbor, South Korea.
Gearing Up for the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Elections
The posters are beginning to appear on the city walls and the various parties are accelerating their preparations. The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections are now only three months away, and analysts are wondering just how dominant Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike will become when the contest has concluded.
US Commerce Secretary Declares “Trade War”
US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has a stark message for those who fear that Trump administration policies could lead to a global trade war: He says that the war is already on and now the United States is prepared to join it in earnest.
Japan’s Pro-Nuclear Labor Union
Explainer for Denryoku Soren, the Federation of Electric Power Related Industry Worker’s Unions
First Mainstream LGBT Magazine Launched in Japan
The first LGBT magazine by a major publisher is launched in Japan, signaling a new era of gender relations.
Tobacco’s Control of the Japanese Media
How the Japanese media is influenced by big money interests to downplay the health threat of cigarette smoking
Yasunori Kagoike and the Akheed Scandal
Principal Yasunori Kagoike of Moritomo Gakuen claims he was secretly given money by Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
