Politics
At least 5 members of Kishida's new cabinet had links with Unification Church
At least five members of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's new cabinet were revealed Wednesday to have had relations with the Unification Church, despite a reshuffling that was aimed at purging links to the controversial religious group amid plummeting public support. The revelations, made by the cabinet members to the… Read
Opposition camp criticizes reshuffle of Kishida cabinet reshuffle
Opposition parties on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's reshuffle of his cabinet and Liberal Democratic Party executives, accusing him of trying to divert the public's attention from questionable ties between some LDP lawmakers and a religious group known as the Unification Church. Seiji Osaka, acting leader of the main… Read
Kishida revamps cabinet to boost public support
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, giving key posts to familiar faces with proven records, in a bid to reverse flagging public support and steer clear of dubious ties with a religious group spotlighted by the killing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. There are only… Read
Obama among international dignitaries expected at Abe state funeral
The Japanese government is arranging for former U.S. President Barack Obama to attend a state funeral for slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next month, a government source said Tuesday. Other figures who may attend the Sept 27 ceremony include French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela… Read
Japan's MSDF, Solomon Islands hold 1st drill amid China tension
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tuesday it has conducted its first joint drill with Solomon Islands maritime police, amid concerns over China's growing military clout on the South Pacific island nation following a controversial security pact between them. The MSDF said its destroyer Kirisame engaged in a maritime security exercise… Read
Kishida says new cabinet members must review ties with Unification Church
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will reshuffle his cabinet on Wednesday paying attention to politicians' ties with the Unification Church, seeking to distance his administration from the controversial group and reverse a slump in opinion polls. The reshuffle comes as Kishida's administration faces tumbling support rates. Public scrutiny of links… Read
Support for Kishida cabinet lowest since it was formed: NHK
Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida slid to the lowest level since he took office last October, with voters questioning his decision to hold a state funeral for former premier Shinzo Abe, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday. Support for Kishida's cabinet totaled 46%, down from 59% in… Read
China urges Japan to stay true to nuclear disarmament commitment
China on Monday urged Japan to stay true to its commitment to building a world without nuclear weapons, as it expressed doubt about Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's pledge to do so on the 77th anniversary of atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Beijing claimed that despite its pledge, the only country in… Read
Japan faces challenges with ASEAN as tensions over Taiwan grow
Japan's diplomacy with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has become more challenging after tensions over Taiwan were laid bare at a series of meetings through Friday involving ASEAN, known for its principle of neutrality toward major powers, and its dialogue partners. Southeast Asia has been regarded as… Read
Japan, U.S. to enhance ties with Solomon Islands amid China clout
Senior government and military officials from Japan and the United States on Sunday vowed to strengthen cooperation with the Solomon Islands amid increasing Chinese influence, as they gathered in the capital Honiara to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal. The fierce battle between U.S.… Read
