OP/ED The raw figures, even crudely analyzed, do not necessarily point to a right-wing shift in Japan TOKYO (majirox news) – “Why,” many non-Japanese are wondering, “has the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) returned to power in such a dramatic way?” The answer does not lie in the party’s popularity. Some commentators noted the support...
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A debate was held at the Japan National Press Club between the leaders of the different parties contesting next month’s parliamentary election. The main focus was on the leaders of the two major parties, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party, but nine other smaller parties and groupings made...
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In an attempt to change the nature of Japan’s politics and form a “third force” to challenge the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)and the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP), two controversial political figures have join forces. Just a week after ex-Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara formed a new political party, which...
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Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, has called a general election on December 16, slightly more than a year after taking office. This is part of a bargain made by Noda with the main opposition parties in exchange for support in passing legislation, including a deficit financing bill and electoral reforms, that Noda deems necessary...
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UPDATE: All 6 Chinese surveillance ships that entered Japan’s territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea earlier Friday have now left the area. China is fuming after the Japanese government purchased three of the disputed Sentaku Islands from a private Japanese owner. China said they are watching developments closely and...
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China and Taiwan angrily reacted to Japan’s bid to purchase five uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the central government is negotiating the sale of three of the islands from the current Japanese owners. It was in response to a similar plan by Tokyo’s Governor Shintaro Ishihara in...
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TOKYO (majirox news) — The Washington DC summit between Japanese Prime Minister Noda and US President Obama, which will take place between April 29 ann May 2, is expected to reveal a re-ordering of relations in the Asia-Pacific region. They will discuss a number of bilateral, regional and global issues, including the economy, trade,...
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TOKYO (majirox news) — Former Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) leader Ichiro Ozawa’s political career is at the crossroads Sept. 27 following the conviction Monday of three aides for political funding violations. Ozawa, whose membership of the DPJ is currently suspended pending the result of his own trial for having allegedly overseen the aides’...
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TOKYO (majirox news) — A ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) taxation committee decided Sept. 22 to propose raising tax rates on cigarettes and inheritances to help fund the cost of the recovery from the March 11 disasters, party sources said. Targeting smokers and will benefeciaries is aimed at keeping down increases in corporate...
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TOKYO (majirox news) — The ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has vowed to review its media practices after off-record comments by Yoshio Hachiro were disclosed, causing outrage and leading to his weekend resignation as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told reporters Sept. 11 that the DPJ would...
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