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Tokyo Report
Can Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Escape Factional Politics?
By Zhuoran Li
As long as the factions’ influence on personnel affairs continues, factionalism will not disappear within the LDP.
Kishida’s Struggle to Win Over Japan’s Conservatives
By Jio Kamata
Despite progress on key conservative priorities, the Japanese prime minister hasn’t been able to shake his liberal reputation.
After Leak, Safety Panel Urges Fukushima Nuclear Plant Operator to Communicate Better
By Mari Yamaguchi
Last week’s leak of highly radioactive water could have been prevented, experts said, urging TEPCO to “very quickly communicate to the public what happened and why.”
The Osaka Expo Could Make or Break Nippon Ishin’s Political Future
By Jio Kamata
The success of Nippon Ishin as a national political force has originated from their effort to convince the voters of their competent governance in Osaka. The Expo is a major test.
Japan’s Governing Party Is Engulfed by a Slush Fund Scandal. Will It Spur Political Reform?
By Thisanka Siripala
The government is facing intense pressure over fears of widespread corruption and financial misconduct.
Japan, Italy Agree to Further Strengthen Bilateral Defense Ties
By Takahashi Kosuke
Meeting in Tokyo, Prime Ministers Kishida Fumio and Giorgia Meloni discussed naval port calls, enlarged joint exercises, and expanded cooperation.
Japan’s Nuclear Follies
By Jeff Kingston
Nuclear energy may make sense in places where reactors can be operated safely, but Japan is a seismically active archipelago.
Kishida’s Unfinished Business: Political Economy of Wage Increases in Japan
By Hironori Sasada and Tadashi Iwami
The battle against wage stagnation, a key goal of Kishida’s Cabinet, cannot be won without empowering labor unions.
Jingu Gaien Redevelopment Sparks Outrage in Tokyo. Is the Backlash Too Little, Too Late?
By Paul Christensen
The Jingu Gaien construction project has sparked outcry over the loss of green space and historical sites. But other projects that operate with similar intentions passed nearly unopposed.
Japan’s First Moon Rover Resumes Operations After Landing Upside Down
By Thisanka Siripala
After technical setbacks, Japan has reestablished communication with the dormant spacecraft, putting the lunar mission back on track.
Japan’s Aging Population Will Increase Disaster Vulnerability
By Maxime Polleri
As the Noto earthquake showed, the elderly are among the most impacted by natural disasters.
How Earthquakes Shake Japan’s Political Landscape
By Makoto Takahashi
The earthquake that struck Japan on New Year’s Day caused a grave tragedy but a political crisis, like that seen in 2011, seems to have been dodged.