Government Warms to TPP Without United States
The Abe administration is now warming to the notion of moving forward with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact with the eleven nations other than the United States.
Trump Tax March in Tokyo
Americans march in Tokyo to demand the release of Donald Trump’s tax returns and transparency in US policymaking. One of the key organizers, Jesse Glickstein, speaks to the Shingetsu News Agency.
Goshi Hosono Resigns as Democratic Party Executive
Another prominent Democratic Party conservative offered a resignation today, and defections are ongoing among Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly members. In the near term, these are heavy blows to the party leadership of President Renho and Secretary-General Yoshihiko Noda which might bring them down in the late summer months.
Governor Koike’s “Tokyoites First” Taking Shape
While it is still not formally a political party, Governor Yuriko Koike’s “Tokyoites First” is gaining more definition and shape as it rapidly heads toward what is widely expected to be a command performance in the July 2 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections.
North Korea War Gains Plausibility
It’s Donald Trump more than Kim Jong-Un who brings us a greater possibility of war.
Japan Arab Day 2017
Japan Arab Day 2017 at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Guests included Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi.
Guam Bucks US Marine Realignment Plan
Guam Governor Eddie Calvo announces, “My administration will no longer support the [military] build-up. We will not support further progress on the military realignment on Guam.”
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.
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.