Akie Abe returns to Japan after meeting with President-elect Trump
2024-12-17 22:55:00
Akie Abe, the wife of former Prime Minister Abe, who met with the next US President Trump, returned to Japan on the evening of the 17th.
Political News(2024/12/17)
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed in the House of Representatives plenary session
2024-12-17 22:54:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in the House of Representatives plenary session, passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and sent to the House of Councillors. It is highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law and other bills will be revised in the current Diet session.
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed in the House of Representatives plenary session
2024-12-17 20:32:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in the House of Representatives plenary session, passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and sent to the House of Councillors. It is highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law and other bills will be revised in the current Diet session.
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed in the House of Representatives plenary session
2024-12-17 20:16:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in the House of Representatives plenary session, passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and sent to the House of Councillors. It is highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law and other bills will be revised in the current Diet session.
LDP meeting calls for "effective measures" against false information on social media in elections
2024-12-17 20:06:00
Regarding the use of social media in elections, the Liberal Democratic Party held a meeting of its Election System Research Committee, where it was pointed out that effective measures must be taken, taking into account the spread of false information. It has been pointed out that the use of social media was widespread in the Tokyo gubernatorial election, Hyogo gubernatorial election, and Nagoya mayoral election held this year, and that this influenced the results.
Democratic Party for the People rebels without new proposal on "1.03 million yen annual income barrier" and no agreement reached
2024-12-17 19:58:00
The sixth tax consultation was held between the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito and the Democratic Party for the People regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier." However, the Democratic Party for the People objected to the ruling party's failure to make any new proposals to further increase the deduction amount, and no agreement was reached.
This year's supplementary budget passed with majority support from the LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin, and the People's Party.
2024-12-17 19:45:00
This year's supplementary budget, which will underpin the new economic measures, was put to a vote in the House of Councillors plenary session and passed with a majority in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, Japan Restoration Party, Democratic Party for the People, and other parties.
Government decides on emergency measures to crack down on illegal part-time jobs: "fake identity investigation"
2024-12-17 19:39:00
In response to the recent spate of crimes committed through illegal part-time work, the government held a Cabinet meeting to decide on emergency measures, including the early implementation of "masquerade investigations," in which investigators apply for illegal part-time work using fictitious people's driver's licenses and other documents to contact criminal groups. What is a "masquerade investigation"? How is it different from a "sting operation"? What are the challenges to its implementation? We will explain in detail.
On the first day of the House of Representatives Ethics Committee, Inada and 3 others apologize for "greatly damaging trust in politics"
2024-12-17 19:34:00
The House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee was held to discuss the issue of a political fundraising party run by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, and the four people who attended apologized for significantly damaging the trust of politics. They also pointed out that further explanations from the faction leaders and other related parties at the time were necessary to restore trust.
National Diet approves personnel proposals for 16 people in 6 organizations, including chairman of Casino Management Committee
2024-12-17 19:27:00
The personnel proposals for 16 people in six organizations, including the chairman of the Casino Management Commission, that the government had previously presented to the Diet were approved at plenary sessions of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors on the 17th, and received the Diet's consent.
On the first day of the House of Representatives Ethics Committee, Inada and 3 others apologize for "greatly damaging trust in politics"
2024-12-17 19:03:00
The House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee was held to discuss the issue of a political fundraising party run by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, and the four people who attended apologized for significantly damaging the trust of politics. They also pointed out that further explanations from the faction leaders and other related parties at the time were necessary to restore trust.
Soft ground improvement work at Henoko, the new site of the Futenma base, to begin within the year
2024-12-17 18:33:00
The government plans to begin work on improving the soft ground in Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, the site of the relocation of the U.S. military's Futenma Air Base, as early as the end of the year. The soft ground is approximately 90 meters deep at its deepest, making this the largest scale of work ever undertaken in Japan.
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed in the House of Representatives plenary session
2024-12-17 18:22:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in the House of Representatives plenary session, passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and sent to the House of Councillors. It is highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law and other bills will be revised in the current Diet session.
Democratic Party for the People rebels without new proposal on "1.03 million yen annual income barrier" and no agreement reached
2024-12-17 17:59:00
The sixth tax consultation was held between the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito and the Democratic Party for the People regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier." However, the Democratic Party for the People objected to the ruling party's failure to make any new proposals to further increase the deduction amount, and no agreement was reached.
The revised Childcare Leave Law for National Public Servants passed in the House of Councillors to help people balance work and childcare
2024-12-17 17:58:00
The revised Childcare Leave Act for National Public Servants, which allows national public servants to take more flexible "childcare time" to make it easier for them to balance work and childcare, was passed and enacted at the House of Councilors plenary session on the 17th.
Revised salary law passed by the House of Councillors, raising starting salaries for national civil servants, etc.
2024-12-17 17:55:00
The revised salary law, which includes a record increase in the starting salary of national civil servants of more than 20,000 yen, was passed and enacted at the House of Councillors plenary session on the 17th.
This year's supplementary budget passed with majority support from the LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin, and the People's Party.
2024-12-17 17:53:00
This year's supplementary budget, which will underpin the new economic measures, was put to a vote in the House of Councillors plenary session and passed with a majority in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, Japan Restoration Party, Democratic Party for the People, and other parties.
Hyogo Governor Saito: "We are fully cooperating with the investigation without any recognition of any violation of the law"
2024-12-17 17:48:00
Regarding the prosecutors and police accepting the allegations of suspected violations of the Public Offices Election Act regarding the use of social media in the Hyogo Prefectural gubernatorial election, Governor Saito stated on the 17th, "I have no awareness of any violations of the law, and I would like to fully cooperate with the investigation."
Iwao Naoto strongly urges Israel to completely freeze settlement activities
2024-12-17 17:46:00
Regarding Israel's approval of a plan to double the Israeli population in Syria's Golan Heights, which is in turmoil following the collapse of the Assad regime, Foreign Minister Iwao Naotoshi stated that he would strongly urge that the plan be frozen, citing the risk of further escalating tensions in the region.
First day of House of Representatives Ethics Committee hearing: Inada and four others accused of political funding scandal
2024-12-17 17:34:00
The House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee was held to discuss the issue of a political fundraising party run by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, and the four people who attended apologized for significantly damaging the trust of politics. They also pointed out that further explanations from the faction leaders and other related parties at the time were necessary to restore trust.
Democratic Party for the People rebels without new proposal on "1.03 million yen annual income barrier" and no agreement reached
2024-12-17 17:09:00
The sixth tax consultation was held between the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito and the Democratic Party for the People regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier." However, the Democratic Party for the People objected to the ruling party's failure to make any new proposals to further increase the deduction amount, and no agreement was reached.
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed by majority in House of Representatives special committee
2024-12-17 16:50:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in a special committee of the House of Representatives and passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. The bills were also passed by the plenary session of the House of Representatives on the 17th and will be sent to the House of Councillors, making it highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law will be revised again in the current Diet session.
This year's supplementary budget passed with majority support from the LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin, and the People's Party.
2024-12-17 16:47:00
This year's supplementary budget, which will underpin the new economic measures, was put to a vote in the House of Councillors plenary session and passed with a majority in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, Japan Restoration Party, Democratic Party for the People, and other parties.
Foreign Minister Iwasaki considers additional sanctions against Russia and North Korea over military cooperation
2024-12-17 16:29:00
Regarding the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which is also against the backdrop of the situation in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Iwao stated at a press conference that he was seriously concerned about the impact on the security environment, and revealed that he was considering additional sanctions measures in cooperation with the United States and other countries.
Democratic Party for the People rebels without new proposal on "1.03 million yen annual income barrier" and no agreement reached
2024-12-17 15:42:00
The sixth tax consultation was held between the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito and the Democratic Party for the People regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier." However, the Democratic Party for the People objected to the ruling party's failure to make any new proposals to further increase the deduction amount, and no agreement was reached.
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed by majority in House of Representatives special committee
2024-12-17 14:33:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in a special committee of the House of Representatives and passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. The bills were also passed by the plenary session of the House of Representatives on the 17th and will be sent to the House of Councillors, making it highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law will be revised again in the current Diet session.
[Updated regularly] First day of House of Representatives Ethics Committee: Inada and four others indicted for political funding scandal
2024-12-17 14:29:00
The House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee is meeting to discuss the issue surrounding the LDP faction's political fundraising party. Former Defense Minister Inada, a former member of the Abe faction, who attended the meeting, apologized for significantly damaging the trust of politics, and indicated that further explanations from the faction leaders at the time are necessary to restore trust. We will provide updates on the contents of the committee as they occur.
South Korean military conducts regular training in waters surrounding Takeshima; Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protests to South Korea
2024-12-17 14:13:00
On the 16th, the South Korean military revealed that it had conducted routine training in the waters surrounding Takeshima in Shimane Prefecture. The Japanese government has repeatedly urged the South Korean government to halt the training.
[Updated regularly] First day of House of Representatives Ethics Committee: Inada and four others indicted for political funding scandal
2024-12-17 14:07:00
The House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee is meeting to discuss the issue surrounding the LDP faction's political fundraising party. Former Defense Minister Inada, a former member of the Abe faction, who attended the meeting, apologized for significantly damaging the trust of politics, and indicated that further explanations from the faction leaders at the time are necessary to restore trust. We will provide updates on the contents of the committee as they occur.
House of Representatives Ethics Committee on the first day of examination: Inada Tomomi and four others indicted for political funding scandal
2024-12-17 13:19:00
In a case involving a political fund-raising party run by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, the House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee is set to hold a three-day investigation from the 17th into 15 lawmakers who were found to have not reported their income and expenditure reports. The first day of the investigation has just begun. The focus is on whether further investigations will uncover the truth behind the case.
Three bills including the abolition of "policy activity expenses" passed by majority in House of Representatives special committee
2024-12-17 13:07:00
Three bills related to political reform, including the bill to abolish policy activity expenses, were voted on in a special committee of the House of Representatives and passed with a majority of votes in favor from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. The bills were also passed in the afternoon plenary session of the House of Representatives and sent to the House of Councillors, making it highly likely that the Political Funds Control Law will be revised again in the current Diet session.
Supplementary budget bill passed by majority vote of LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin and the people in the House of Councillors Budget Committee
2024-12-17 12:37:00
The supplementary budget for this fiscal year, which will underpin the new economic measures, was voted on in the House of Councillors Budget Committee and passed with a majority vote from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, Japan Restoration Party, and Democratic Party for the People. It was also passed in the House of Councillors plenary session in the evening and is expected to become law.
House of Representatives Ethics Committee on the first day of examination: Inada Tomomi and four others indicted for political funding scandal
2024-12-17 12:08:00
In a case involving a political fund-raising party run by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, the House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee is set to hold a three-day investigation from the 17th into 15 lawmakers who were found to have not reported their income and expenditure reports. The first day of the investigation has just begun. The focus is on whether further investigations will uncover the truth behind the case.
Government decides to establish "Ministerial Council for Promoting a Disaster-Resilient Nation" and prepares to establish Disaster Prevention Agency
2024-12-17 12:06:00
As the challenge of responding to increasingly severe disasters becomes a challenge, the government has decided to establish a new council, headed by Prime Minister Ishiba and with all cabinet ministers as members, as it is necessary to work together to prepare for the establishment of a Disaster Prevention Agency.
Three bills, including the abolition of "policy activity expenses," agreed upon today in the House of Representatives Special Committee vote
2024-12-17 11:46:00
A board meeting of a special committee of the House of Representatives to discuss political reform was held, and the ruling and opposition parties agreed to vote on three related bills, including a bill to abolish policy activity expenses, at the committee meeting on the 17th.
Chairman of the House of Councillors' Diet Affairs Committee, CDP: "Extend the session to discuss political reform-related bills, etc."
2024-12-17 11:44:00
Regarding the schedule for Diet deliberations, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) Chairman of the House of Councillors' Diet Affairs Committee, Saito, expressed the view that the session should be extended until the 21st of this week, stating that the House of Councillors needs to ensure sufficient time for deliberation on bills related to political reform, which are expected to be passed by the House of Representatives on the 17th.
Emergency measures decided to crack down on illegal part-time jobs, including early implementation of "masquerade investigations"
2024-12-17 11:33:00
In response to the recent spate of crimes committed through illegal part-time jobs, the government held a cabinet meeting to decide on emergency measures, including the early implementation of "fictitious identity investigations," in which investigators would use fictitious people's driver's licenses or other documents to apply for illegal part-time jobs and contact criminal groups.
Trump: "I'd love to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba" in response to question about possibility of meeting
2024-12-17 11:20:00
At a press conference, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump indicated the possibility of meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the inauguration on January 20th, if the Japanese side wishes.
Three bills, including the abolition of "policy activity expenses," agreed upon today in the House of Representatives Special Committee vote
2024-12-17 10:51:00
A board meeting of a special committee of the House of Representatives to discuss political reform was held, and the ruling and opposition parties agreed to vote on three related bills, including a bill to abolish policy activity expenses, at the committee meeting on the 17th.
Government sets up expert panel to implement "development and employment system" for foreign workers
2024-12-17 10:19:00
The government has established a panel of experts to determine how the new development and employment system for foreign workers, which will replace the technical intern training system, will be implemented by 2027.
19 lawmakers who did not report income and expenditures to be investigated starting today - will this move clarify the truth?
2024-12-17 06:50:00
In a case involving a political fund-raising party run by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, 19 lawmakers who were not included in the income and expenditure reports will be subject to a public investigation by the House of Representatives and House of Councillors Political Ethics Committee for three days from the 17th. The focus will be on whether the details of the opaque flow of funds will be revealed and whether this will lead to a clearer picture of the situation.
The bill to abolish the LDP's "policy activity expenses" is expected to be passed today in the House of Representatives.
2024-12-17 06:28:00
Regarding political reform, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan plan to pass a bill to abolish policy activity expenses and other bills in the House of Representatives by the 17th, and it is highly likely that legal reform will be realized in the current Diet session. In addition, the supplementary budget for this fiscal year, which will support the economic measures, is expected to be passed and enacted in the House of Councillors on the 17th.
Trump: "I'd love to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba" in response to question about possibility of meeting
2024-12-17 04:58:00
At a press conference, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump indicated the possibility of meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the inauguration on January 20th, if the Japanese side wishes.
