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POLITICSSep 1Japan relaxes overtime rules under workaholic Takaichi: ‘unacceptable shift’Japan eased overtime regulation starting on Tuesday in a move meant to help spur economic growth but criticised as a relapse into the country’s ingrained workaholic culture. The move comes after the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi – a self-proclaimed workaholic – adopted a growth strategy in July, calling for revisions to the current oversight of work hours. The change in part reflects calls from certain business sectors for more flexible work styles as they grapple with a...South China Morning Post
POLITICSSep 1Bullying mayor ousted as Japan’s voters reject political abuseYokohama’s mayor has become the latest local official in Japan to be forced from office by scandal, as analysts say voters are no longer willing to look the other way. Takeharu Yamanaka reportedly called his staff “human trash” and told a senior official to “commit seppuku” (ritual suicide) if the city failed to win a bid for an international conference. He stepped down on Friday after a prolonged investigation found he had repeatedly verbally abused city employees and humiliated...South China Morning Post
POLITICSAug 31Japan commitment to rule of law tested amid US sanctions on ICCJapan's commitment to the rule of law is being tested due to US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). This indicates a complex geopolitical issue involving international legal principles and pressure from a major ally.global.chinadaily.com.cn · China
POLITICSAug 31Japan opposition alliance on brink of collapse after merger talks stallJapan’s centrist opposition alliance stood on the brink of falling apart on Monday, with sources saying members who joined from the Komeito party just months ago could leave the group. The development follows the collapse of talks on the incorporation by the Centrist Reform Alliance of members of Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) in a three-way merger to counter the ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders of the three opposition parties...South China Morning Post
POLITICSAug 30ASEAN and Japan’s Updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific InitiativeProtecting a shared foundation, not a blocThe Diplomat
POLITICSAug 30The Reason Japan Cannot Commit to Dialogue with North KoreaThe Tanaka affair has cast a long shadow.The Diplomat
POLITICSAug 30Incumbent re-elected in mayoral election on island in Sea of Japan with population of about 300; voter turnout 91%Asahi Shimbun
POLITICSAug 30‘Chilling effect’: Japan’s whistle-blowers weigh high price of speaking outYutaka Kato* knew there would be risks when he reported suspected misconduct by his employer to Japanese authorities. What he did not expect, he said, was a 47.88 million yen (US$300,000) damages claim from that employer – the Japanese subsidiary of US-listed medical device manufacturer STAAR Surgical – along with the prospect of years in court and the uncertainty of whether he would ever return to work. Kato is among a growing number of whistle-blowers in Japan who say laws meant to protect...South China Morning Post
POLITICSAug 29Japan resumes student exchange trips to Russia after 7 - year hiatusJapan has resumed student exchange trips to Russia after a seven-year break. This marks a notable development in diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries.japantoday.com · Japan
POLITICSAug 28Takaichi Is No Abe: Japan’s New Conservative PoliticsAfter roughly 10 months in power, the differences between Takaichi and Abe are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.The Diplomat
POLITICSAug 28Japan’s Narrowing Path to Permanent ResidencyTakaichi’s new policies are pushing away foreign workers. Rural areas and strained industries will pay the price.Foreign Policy
POLITICSAug 28Yokohama mayor resigns over power harassment | The Asahi Shimbun : Breaking News , Japan News and AnalysisThe mayor of Yokohama has resigned from office due to allegations of power harassment. This signifies a leadership change in a major Japanese city following misconduct claims.asahi.com · Japan
POLITICSAug 28Japan police to roll out body-worn cameras nationwide in 2027 after trialsJapanese police will expand use of body-worn cameras nationwide from next financial year after trials showed they were effective in providing evidence and verifying that investigative procedures were followed appropriately, the National Police Agency said on Friday. The agency has requested about 170 million yen (US$1 million) for the year starting April 2027 to cover related costs for around 2,000 cameras. Trials began in September last year in 13 prefectural police departments, covering...South China Morning Post
POLITICSAug 28Hanson tells star candidate to stop speaking JapaneseA political figure named Hanson reportedly told a star candidate to cease speaking Japanese. This suggests a political controversy or directive within a party.greatlakesadvocate.com.au · Australia
POLITICSAug 28US base dispute hangs over Japan’s Okinawa governor electionOkinawa’s governor election next month is set to be a major test of whether Japan’s ruling party can win over voters from a prefecture that has long opposed its security agenda and the heavy US military presence on its islands. A victory by Genta Koja, the Liberal Democratic Party-backed candidate, would likely help smooth ties between Okinawa and Tokyo and weaken resistance against the planned relocation of the US Marine Corps’ Futenma base within the prefecture, according to analysts. Such an...South China Morning Post
POLITICSAug 27Trump Keeps Stabbing Japan in the BackTokyo doesn’t have a playbook for a supposed ally this unreliable.Foreign Policy
POLITICSAug 26Sanctioned ICC president asked Japan to help de - escalate US tensionsThe sanctioned president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly sought Japan's assistance to reduce tensions with the United States. This highlights ongoing international diplomatic efforts concerning geopolitical relations.troyrecord.com · United States
POLITICSAug 26Japan tripled departure tax to fund tourism but is using money on cherry blossoms and bearsOn 1 July, Japan increased its departure tax for everyone flying out of the country, raising it from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per departure, with the cost…Japan Today
POLITICSAug 26What is really behind Japan’s planned cabinet shake-up?Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi remains in a strong position despite a poll showing falling support for her administration, ahead of an expected cabinet reshuffle to bolster her coalition government. A new cabinet could help the government win over voters, reward ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers and win the support of junior coalition partner Ishin no Kai, analysts have said. Takaichi is expected to embark on such a move in mid- or late September, according to reports by...South China Morning Post
POLITICSAug 25Japan PM says to maintain subsidies capping gasoline prices , tap reservesThe Japanese Prime Minister announced plans to continue subsidies for capping gasoline prices and to utilize strategic reserves. This indicates a government effort to manage energy costs and economic stability.english.kyodonews.net · Japan
POLITICSAug 25Japan lawmakers head to Beijing to mend ties - News TodayJapanese lawmakers are traveling to Beijing with the aim of improving diplomatic relations between the two nations. This initiative signifies an effort to strengthen international ties.newstodaynet.com · India
POLITICSAug 25Japan sets financial hardship, humanitarian need criteria for visa fee cutsJapan's immigration agency said Tuesday that foreigners who meet criteria for financial hardship and humanitarian consideration will be eligible for fee cuts when visa application and renewal charges…Japan Today
POLITICSAug 24Japanese delegation seeks to soothe strained ties with ChinaA cross-party delegation lands in Beijing as Tokyo tries to defrost its worst China rift in decades.Al Jazeera [en]
POLITICSAug 24Japanese lawmakers travel to Beijing, seeking to mend ties after Takaichi's Taiwan remark falloutA cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, including one from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's governing party, headed to Beijing on Monday to meet with Chinese officials for the first…Japan Today