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Politics
The glitch in Japan's plans to bolster U.S. defense
As the United States faces security threats across the globe, its close ally Japan has committed to stepping up as a trusted defense partner - but Tokyo's cyber and information security vulnerabilities remain a concern, officials and experts say. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is overseeing a once-unthinkable military… Read
Kishida to visit France, Brazil, Paraguay during Golden Week
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit France, Brazil and Paraguay next week as his nation seeks to boost ties with Latin America. The six-day itinerary will see Kishida meet French President Emmanuel Macron as well as Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Japanese prime minister's office said.… Read
LDP may lose 3 lower house seats in by-elections Sunday: survey
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may lose three seats in the House of Representatives in by-elections on Sunday, a Kyodo News survey showed, possibly taking further toll on the already unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The by-elections will take place as the LDP, headed by Kishida, has come under intense… Read
Kishida to unveil measures to protect Amazon rainforest during Brazil visit
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to announce his intention to strengthen support for protection of the Amazon rainforest during his visit to Brazil in early May, government sources said. The measures are centered on financial contributions and assistance for regenerating degraded farmland to prevent deforestation and promote the… Read
Kishida deserves credit for passage of Ukraine aid: U.S. diplomat
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida should be given a share of the credit for U.S. congressional passage of a long-overdue national security supplemental that includes aid for Ukraine, a senior diplomat said Wednesday. Kurt Campbell, the second-highest ranking official at the U.S. State Department, said Japan's strategic thinking is increasingly… Read
Russia vetoes U.S.-Japan U.N. resolution calling for prevention of nuclear arms race in space
Russia on Wednesday vetoed a U.N. resolution sponsored by the United States and Japan calling on all nations to prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race in outer space. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13 in favor, Russia opposed and China abstaining. Russia dismissed the measure as politicized… Read
Trump meets former Japanese PM Aso; criticizes strong dollar against yen
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is meeting with another senior foreign government official while he's in New York for his criminal hush money trial. The presumptive GOP nominee was hosting former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, one of the country's most influential politicians, at Trump Tower on Tuesday evening. “He’s a highly respected man… Read
LDP proposes forfeiting unreported political funds in reform plan
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Tuesday compiled draft proposals on political funds reform in the wake of a recent slush money scandal, centering on forfeiting deliberately unreported income for submission to the national coffers. The LDP, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, also proposed obliging lawmakers to issue certificates… Read
Cabinet minister Takaichi, more than 90 lawmakers visit Yasukuni Shrine
Japan's economic security minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday visited Yasukuni Shrine, seen by some of Tokyo's Asian neighbors as a symbol of its past militarism, raising concerns about potential backlash from China and South Korea. Takaichi, known for her hawkish views on national security issues, has routinely visited the Shinto… Read
Families of late 'comfort women' sue Japanese gov't; 1st case in China
The families of 18 former Chinese "comfort women" who claim to have worked in Japan's wartime military brothels have filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government, demanding an apology and compensation in what is believed to be the first such suit against Tokyo filed in China. The suit was filed… Read
