This page is the news announced by NHK, a representative TV station in Japan.

Political News(2025/02/04)


Kyoto   Hakone

Conservative LDP lawmakers confirm "expanded use of maiden names" regarding optional separate surnames for married couples

2025-02-04 20:31:00
As debate over the optional system of separate surnames for married couples becomes more active, a group of conservative members of the Liberal Democratic Party met to confirm their recognition that convenience should be increased by expanding the use of maiden surnames as common names.

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Prime Minister Ishiba to visit the US from the 6th for first summit meeting with President Trump

2025-02-04 19:18:00
The government announced that Prime Minister Shinzo Ishiba will visit the United States from the 6th and hold his first summit meeting with President Trump.

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CDP leadership election: Number of sponsors required to run for office to be relaxed

2025-02-04 19:17:00
At a meeting of members of both houses of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan on the 4th, a proposal was presented to ease the requirements for candidates to run for the party's leadership election. The number of people required to have endorsements would be changed to either 10% of the total number of Diet members belonging to the party or 20 Diet members, whichever is less, and the proposal is expected to be officially decided next week.

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First meeting of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors Joint Council on Former Correspondence Expenses: Confirmation of “Conclusion by April”

2025-02-04 19:08:00
The first meeting of the joint House of Representatives and House of Councillors council regarding the former correspondence expenses and the current "research, study and public relations accommodation expenses" was held, and it was confirmed that details such as the scope of use and how they will be made public will be considered, with a certain conclusion being reached by April of this year.

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Prime Minister Ishiba questioned at House of Representatives Budget Committee about "high-cost medical care system" and gasoline prices

2025-02-04 18:38:00
On the 4th, the House of Representatives Budget Committee held deliberations on the new fiscal year budget proposal. Questions were asked about raising the upper limit of the "High-cost Medical Care Expenses System," which reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of patients with high medical expenses, and the abolition of the provisional gasoline tax rate, and Prime Minister Ishiba responded to the questions.

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The LDP and Komeito plan to respond sincerely to the new fiscal year budget proposal, including amendments

2025-02-04 18:36:00
The secretaries-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito met to discuss the new fiscal year budget proposal and confirmed their intention to hold discussions with the three opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, in order to pass the budget within the fiscal year, and to respond in good faith, including making amendments if necessary.

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LDP Secretary-General Moriyama plans not to send lawmakers to nuclear weapons ban treaty conference

2025-02-04 18:34:00
Regarding the Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in March this year, LDP Secretary-General Moriyama stated that the party's basic policy is to work toward nuclear disarmament while acknowledging the nuclear possession of countries such as the United States and China, and that it would be difficult to officially attend the conference, so he is not considering sending any party members to the meeting.

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New national land strengthening plan adjusted to include repair and renewal of water and sewer pipes

2025-02-04 18:21:00
In response to a series of collapses believed to be caused by aging sewer pipes, including the large-scale road collapse that occurred in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, the government has begun making adjustments to include intensive repairs and replacement of water supply and sewerage pipes in a new plan for strengthening the nation's infrastructure.

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LDP working group leaders meet to "carefully listen to opinions" on optional separate surnames for married couples

2025-02-04 18:09:00
Regarding the optional system of separate surnames for married couples, senior members of the Liberal Democratic Party's working group met and confirmed their intention to carefully listen to opinions when internal party discussions resume in mid-February, despite there being mixed opinions on the matter.

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LDP Secretary-General Moriyama plans not to send lawmakers to nuclear weapons ban treaty conference

2025-02-04 18:06:00
Regarding the Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in March this year, LDP Secretary-General Moriyama stated that the party's basic policy is to work toward nuclear disarmament while acknowledging the nuclear possession of countries such as the United States and China, and that it would be difficult to officially attend the conference, so he is not considering sending any party members to the meeting.

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LDP, Komeito and Nippon Ishin to hold discussions on reducing social insurance premium burden

2025-02-04 17:20:00
Policy directors from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party and the Japan Restoration Party met to confirm the contents of the working-level discussions on education policy, including making high school tuition free. They also agreed that at the next meeting, the Restoration Party will present and discuss its ideas on reducing the burden of social insurance premiums.

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LDP Secretary-General Moriyama plans not to send lawmakers to nuclear weapons ban treaty conference

2025-02-04 17:06:00
Regarding the Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in March this year, LDP Secretary-General Moriyama stated that the party's basic policy is to work toward nuclear disarmament while acknowledging the nuclear possession of countries such as the United States and China, and that it would be difficult to officially attend the conference, so he is not considering sending any party members to the meeting.

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LDP, Komeito and Citizens finalize their thoughts on the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier" and confirm the resumption of discussions

2025-02-04 16:57:00
Regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier," policy chiefs from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, and the Democratic Party for the People met and confirmed that the ruling parties will put together new ideas on raising income tax deductions and then resume discussions between the three parties' tax system research council chairmen.

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Government informs Diet of Prime Minister Ishiba's US visit starting on the 6th

2025-02-04 15:59:00
The government has informed the Diet that Prime Minister Shinzo Ishiba will visit the United States from the 6th to attend a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump.

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Prime Minister Ishiba is amazed by the talking "Myakumyaku" doll

2025-02-04 15:54:00
A doll of "Myakumyaku," the official mascot of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, installed at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, is equipped with the ability to speak when people approach, surprising Prime Minister Ishiba.

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The LDP and Komeito plan to respond sincerely to the new fiscal year budget proposal, including amendments

2025-02-04 15:53:00
The secretaries-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito met to discuss the new fiscal year budget proposal and confirmed their intention to hold discussions with the three opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, in order to pass the budget within the fiscal year, and to respond in good faith, including making amendments if necessary.

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Prime Minister Ishiba's 68th birthday: "I will work wholeheartedly for the people"

2025-02-04 14:08:00
Prime Minister Ishiba turned 68 on the 4th, and told reporters that he is determined to work for the people by giving his all in deliberations on the new fiscal year budget and in his summit meeting with U.S. President Trump.

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LDP Secretary-General Moriyama plans not to send lawmakers to nuclear ban treaty conference

2025-02-04 13:49:00
Regarding the Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in March this year, LDP Secretary-General Moriyama stated that the party's basic policy is to work toward nuclear disarmament while acknowledging the nuclear possession of countries such as the United States and China, and that it would be difficult to officially attend the conference, so he is not considering sending any party members to the meeting.

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Prime Minister Ishiba orders response to rising prices: "Act quickly, including using stockpiled rice"

2025-02-04 13:32:00
Regarding measures to address rising prices, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed relevant cabinet ministers at a cabinet meeting to swiftly and effectively implement the measures included in last year's economic stimulus package, as well as to utilize stockpiled rice to ensure a stable supply of rice.

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Former Abe faction accounting officer responds, "I would like to refrain from attending," to be asked to host again

2025-02-04 12:41:00
At a board meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, it was reported that the accounting officer of the former Abe faction, who had been approved to be called as an expert witness, had stated that he would "refrain from attending." Chairman Yasuzumi will now make a written request that the officer respond to the invitation, including the possibility of holding the meeting in private.

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Prime Minister Ishiba orders response to rising prices: "Act quickly, including using stockpiled rice"

2025-02-04 12:29:00
Regarding measures to address rising prices, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed relevant cabinet ministers at a cabinet meeting to swiftly and effectively implement the measures included in last year's economic stimulus package, as well as to utilize stockpiled rice to ensure a stable supply of rice.

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Government to launch new system for central government officials to support local governments in order to revitalize regional areas

2025-02-04 12:24:00
In order to revitalize regional areas, the government has decided to launch a new system in which central government officials will provide advice and support to local governments with populations of less than 100,000 on measures to combat population outflow and promote industry.

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Prime Minister Ishiba: "Appropriate response to rising gasoline prices" at House of Representatives Budget Committee

2025-02-04 12:14:00
The House of Representatives Budget Committee was deliberating on the new fiscal year budget proposal, and Prime Minister Ishiba was repeatedly asked to quickly abolish the provisional gasoline tax rate. He said he could not specify when the tax would be abolished, but explained that the government would respond appropriately to the rising gasoline prices.

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Former Abe faction accounting officer responds, "I would like to refrain from attending," to be asked to host again

2025-02-04 12:11:00
At a board meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, it was reported that the accounting officer of the former Abe faction, who had been approved to be called as an expert witness, had stated that he would "refrain from attending." Chairman Yasuzumi will now make a written request that the officer respond to the invitation, including the possibility of holding the meeting in private.

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Government informs Diet of Prime Minister Ishiba's US visit starting on the 6th

2025-02-04 11:27:00
The government has informed the Diet that Prime Minister Shinzo Ishiba will visit the United States from the 6th to attend a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump.

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Defense Minister Nakatani: "About 30 additional Self-Defense Force vehicles to be provided to Ukraine"

2025-02-04 11:22:00
Regarding assistance to Ukraine, Defense Minister Nakatani revealed that the Self-Defense Forces will provide approximately 30 additional transport vehicles.

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Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare to review upper limit of high-cost medical care system "to discuss with organizations and reach an agreement"

2025-02-04 11:10:00
In response to a call by an organization made up of cancer patients and others for a review of the increase in the upper limit of the "High-Cost Medical Care Expenses System," which aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of patients with high medical expenses, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Fukuoka has indicated his intention to hear the opinions of the organizations directly and seek to reach a consensus.

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Prime Minister Ishiba orders response to rising prices: "Act quickly, including using stockpiled rice"

2025-02-04 10:54:00
Regarding measures to address rising prices, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed relevant cabinet ministers at a cabinet meeting to swiftly and effectively implement the measures included in last year's economic stimulus package, as well as to utilize stockpiled rice to ensure a stable supply of rice.

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Prime Minister Ishiba orders response to rising prices: "Act quickly, including using stockpiled rice"

2025-02-04 10:18:00
Regarding measures to address rising prices, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed relevant cabinet ministers at a cabinet meeting to swiftly and effectively implement the measures included in last year's economic stimulus package, as well as to utilize stockpiled rice to ensure a stable supply of rice.

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Cabinet approves tax reform bill to increase income tax deduction to 1.23 million yen

2025-02-04 09:58:00
At a cabinet meeting on the morning of the 4th, the government decided on a bill to reform the tax system, which includes revising the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier" and raising the income tax deduction by 200,000 yen to 1.23 million yen.

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Prime Minister Ishiba's Activities February 3, 2025

2025-02-04 09:06:00
(Prime Minister Ishiba's Activities February 3, 2025)

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Will the bargaining between ruling and opposition parties intensify as they look to revise the new fiscal year budget?

2025-02-04 05:26:00
As deliberations on the new fiscal year budget bill continue, the LDP and Komeito will hold talks with the Japan Restoration Party and the Democratic Party for the People on the 4th, with their respective policy chiefs. The Constitutional Democratic Party is also preparing to step up its efforts to realize policies that it considers important, and it is expected that negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties will become even more active as they eye revisions to the budget bill.

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Prime Minister Ishiba plans to speed up negotiations to create outcome document for meeting with President Trump

2025-02-04 05:12:00
Prime Minister Ishiba hopes to reach an agreement with President Trump on maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law in the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, including on how to deal with China. The plan is to speed up coordination so that the two sides can put together an outcome document that includes the contents of the agreement reached at the meeting.

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