Politics
Abe's controversial state funeral may backfire on Kishida
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to struggle to secure a stable political base after holding a controversial state funeral for former leader Shinzo Abe on Tuesday despite strong opposition from the public. Several other issues, including suspicious relations between ruling lawmakers and a notorious religious group, the Unification… Read
Japan vows to work with Australia, India for free, open Indo-Pacific
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed with his Australian and Indian counterparts on Tuesday to cooperate in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision that slain former leader Shinzo Abe advocated, on the second day of Japan's "condolence diplomacy." Kishida reached the agreements during separate meetings with Anthony Albanese and… Read
Abe's militaristic funeral captures Japan's tense mood
The leadup to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's controversial state funeral could seem like a never-ending exchange of heated words — both for and against. But it was the images of Tuesday’s ceremony that most clearly told the story of a nation still deeply divided over the legacy of… Read
Slain ex-PM Abe honored at divisive state funeral
Japan's assassinated hawkish former leader, Shinzo Abe, was given a rare state funeral Tuesday that was full of military pomp and surrounded by throngs of mourners as well as by widespread protests, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the publicly financed ceremony was… Read
Japan protests Russia's expulsion of official; denies spying
Japan protested to Russia on Tuesday over the detention of a Japanese consulate official on espionage allegations, denying the allegations and accusing Russian authorities of abusive interrogation. The official was detained on Sept. 22 and interrogated with his eyes covered, his hands and head pressed and immobilized, Japan's Foreign Ministry… Read
Harris calls U.S.-Japan alliance 'a cornerstone'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shortly after arriving in Tokyo for the state funeral of assassinated former leader Shinzo Abe. Abe, a former prime minister who was assassinated in July, will be honored on Tuesday, and Harris is leading a U.S. delegation to pay… Read
Japan set to honor assassinated Abe at controversial funeral
Thousands of Japanese and foreign dignitaries will gather in Tokyo on Tuesday to honor assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at a rare state funeral that has sparked controversy and protest. Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister and one of the country's most recognizable political figures, known for cultivating international… Read
Ex-Myanmar diplomat says junta envoy should be barred from Abe's funeral
A former diplomat dismissed by Myanmar's military junta for his opposition to last year's coup has criticized Japan for inviting the head of the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's state funeral. Aung Soe Moe said that if Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government allows Myanmar Ambassador… Read
Kishida begins 3 days of 'condolence diplomacy' around Abe funeral
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday began three days of meetings with more than 30 foreign dignitaries as the state funeral of slain former leader Shinzo Abe provides a chance to embark on a round of so-called "condolence diplomacy." On Monday, Kishida had meetings with 11 dignitaries, including Gabon… Read
Abe damaged Japan's democracy, left legacy of power abuse, critics say
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's July assassination has caused the nation's political pundits to reflect on his legacy, with some arguing he jeopardized Japan's democracy and abused his power for personal gain during his eight years as leader. Incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he decided to hold a state… Read
