2025-03-14 22:36:00
Amid concerns about labor shortages and declining transportation capacity in the logistics industry, Prime Minister Ishiba held a round-table discussion with truck drivers and emphasized his intention to further promote price transfer to shippers and the streamlining of transactions in order to achieve structural wage increases.
2025-03-14 21:06:00
Regarding the handling of corporate and organizational donations, leaders of four opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, met and reached an agreement in principle to withdraw the bills they had each submitted to the House of Representatives to ban them, and then to consolidate them into a new bill and aim to pass it.
2025-03-14 21:05:00
On the evening of the 14th, Prime Minister Ishiba hosted a dinner for ambassadors from Islamic countries, where he emphasized his intention to continue active diplomatic efforts to calm the situation in the Middle East. He also expressed his hope for the development of friendly relations through the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
2025-03-14 21:03:00
Regarding the free high school tuition fee, the National Governors' Association held a committee meeting on education, and the governors who attended expressed the opinion that the national government should expand support for public high schools, as this could lead to an increase in students moving away from public high schools.
2025-03-14 21:02:00
On the evening of the 14th, near a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Finance in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, the leader of the political group "Party to Protect the People from NHK," Takashi Tachibana, was suddenly attacked with a knife and injured. The suspect, a 30-year-old man who was arrested on the spot, stated that he "wanted to kill Tachibana," and the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case on suspicion of attempted murder.
2025-03-14 20:16:00
Regarding political reform, Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki indicated he intends to hold discussions with the Komeito Party, which has similar views on corporate and group donations, to put together a proposal between the two parties, and then call on the LDP and other opposition parties to support it in an effort to reach an agreement.
2025-03-14 19:57:00
On the evening of the 14th, near a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Finance in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, Takashi Tachibana, leader of the political group "Party to Protect the People from NHK," was attacked and injured by a man. The man was arrested on the spot.
2025-03-14 19:49:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time elected LDP members of the House of Representatives with whom he had dinner last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem, as the gifts were purchased at his own expense in place of souvenirs for the dinner and do not constitute donations to political activities. The opposition parties plan to pursue the matter at intensive deliberations in the House of Councillors Budget Committee, which will be attended by Prime Minister Ishiba. *The latter half of the article provides the views of experts and commentary from political reporters.
2025-03-14 19:13:00
At the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Prime Minister Ishiba was criticized and held responsible by not only the opposition parties but also the ruling party for distributing 100,000 yen worth of gift certificates to each of the offices of LDP members of the House of Representatives who had been elected once. In response, Prime Minister Ishiba apologized for not showing consideration for the people, although there was no legal problem, and emphasized that he would work to prevent a recurrence.
2025-03-14 19:09:00
On the evening of the 14th, near a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Finance in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, the leader of the political group "Party to Protect the People from NHK," Takashi Tachibana, was attacked and injured by a man. The man was arrested on the spot, and the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case on suspicion of attempted murder.
2025-03-14 18:50:00
It has come to light that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out 100,000 yen worth of gift certificates to each of the offices of one-time elected LDP members of the House of Representatives whom he had dinner with last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem with this, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and that they did not constitute donations related to political activities. Here is a summary of the reactions of the ruling and opposition parties.
2025-03-14 18:34:00
Voting will take place on March 23rd for the Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Election. The election was announced on the 6th, with four candidates, both incumbents and newcomers, running. NHK analyzed each candidate's speeches using a method called "text mining" to interpret what they were trying to say. We will also be showing uncut videos of the candidates' speeches and their responses during interviews. *During the election period, we will be updating a series of videos in the latter half of the article, in which reporters explain the "interpretation of candidate questionnaires."
2025-03-14 18:16:00
On the evening of the 14th, near a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Finance in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, the leader of the political group "Party to Protect the People from NHK," Takashi Tachibana, was attacked and injured by a man. The man was arrested on the spot, and the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident as an assault.
2025-03-14 17:56:00
The G7 foreign ministers' meeting being held in Canada is expected to release an outcome document on the situation in Ukraine on the 14th, the final day of the meeting. It appears that they are trying to find a document that can be agreed upon by both Europe, which condemns Russia and supports Ukraine, and the United States, which wants to avoid backlash from Russia in order to achieve a ceasefire.
2025-03-14 17:30:00
The Akita Prefectural Governor Election, which will see a change in the leader of Akita Prefecture for the first time in 16 years, is shaping up to be a "divisive election" that will split the prefecture in two. With the election announcement on March 20th and voting on April 6th in sight, what are the people aiming for the new leader of Akita Prefecture looking forward to beyond this "divisive election"? We conducted a thorough interview. Please watch the video.
2025-03-14 17:16:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time elected LDP members of the House of Representatives with whom he had dinner last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and do not constitute donations related to political activities. The opposition parties plan to pursue the matter in intensive deliberations at the House of Councillors Budget Committee, which will be attended by Prime Minister Ishiba.
2025-03-14 17:04:00
The number of people certified under the newly established "Supplementary Protection Certification System," which aims to provide protection similar to that for refugees to people fleeing conflict zones, was made public for the first time, with 1,661 people certified last year.
2025-03-14 17:03:00
As of the end of December last year, the number of foreigners residing in Japan exceeded 3.7 million, the highest number ever.
2025-03-14 16:47:00
On the 14th, a draft basic plan for a new agricultural policy was presented, which includes a goal of increasing rice exports, including packaged rice, to 350,000 tons by 2030. The aim is to increase rice production, including for export, and to flexibly manage it by diverting it to domestic use when domestic supply and demand becomes tight.
2025-03-14 16:30:00
Foreign Minister Iwaki, who is visiting Canada, met with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on the morning of the 14th (Japan time) and expressed regret that Japan was not excluded from the Trump administration's tariff measures on steel products and other items, and once again requested that Japan be excluded from the target.
2025-03-14 15:19:00
Regarding political reform, Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki indicated he intends to hold discussions with the Komeito Party, which has similar views on corporate and group donations, to put together a proposal between the two parties, and then call on the LDP and other opposition parties to support it in an effort to reach an agreement.
2025-03-14 15:04:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time elected LDP members of the House of Representatives with whom he had dinner last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and do not constitute donations related to political activities. The opposition parties plan to pursue the matter in intensive deliberations at the House of Councillors Budget Committee, which will be attended by Prime Minister Ishiba.
2025-03-14 14:37:00
As issues surrounding online casinos continue to grow, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Murakami indicated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting that he intends to quickly set up a meeting to consider ways to strengthen regulations, such as "blocking" websites.
2025-03-14 14:01:00
The government has put together a draft of a new Basic Consumer Plan to respond to digitalization and the aging population, and Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed relevant ministers to strengthen measures to prevent fraud and other crimes that involve the misuse of social media.
2025-03-14 13:01:00
Foreign Minister Iwaki, who is visiting Canada, met with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on the morning of the 14th (Japan time) and expressed regret that Japan was not excluded from the Trump administration's tariff measures on steel products and other items, and once again requested that Japan be excluded from the target.
2025-03-14 12:35:00
Regarding political reform, Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki indicated he intends to hold discussions with the Komeito Party, which has similar views on corporate and group donations, to put together a proposal between the two parties, and then call on the LDP and other opposition parties to support it in an effort to reach an agreement.
2025-03-14 12:33:00
Roki Sasaki, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is in Japan for the opening series in Tokyo next week, met with Prime Minister Ishiba. Sasaki, who spent some time in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, where the forest fires occurred, told reporters that he would do his best in the game for the people affected by the disaster.
2025-03-14 12:24:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time elected LDP members of the House of Representatives with whom he had dinner last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and do not constitute donations related to political activities. The opposition parties plan to pursue the matter in intensive deliberations at the House of Councillors Budget Committee, which will be attended by Prime Minister Ishiba.
2025-03-14 12:23:00
Regarding the falsification of the Ministry of Finance's approval documents related to Moritomo Gakuen, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato has revealed that when disclosing the related documents submitted to prosecutors, he is considering submitting materials to the Diet that will clarify what kind of documents they are.
2025-03-14 12:15:00
It has come to light that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out 100,000 yen worth of gift certificates to each of the offices of one-time elected LDP members of the House of Representatives whom he had dinner with last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem with this, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and that they did not constitute donations related to political activities. Here is a summary of the reactions of the ruling and opposition parties.
2025-03-14 11:57:00
Regarding bills related to pension system reform, the government told the board of directors of the House of Councillors' Rules and Administration Committee that it would like to postpone the bill, as it would not be able to meet the deadline of the 14th for submission to the Diet.
2025-03-14 11:54:00
Regarding the White House spokesperson's statement that "Japan imposes a 700% tariff on rice," Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto pointed out that the statement does not match the facts, and expressed his intention to view the fact that such a statement was made from the U.S. side with a sense of urgency.
2025-03-14 11:46:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time LDP members of the House of Representatives he had dinner with last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem with this, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and that they did not constitute donations related to political activities.
2025-03-14 11:35:00
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto expressed regret over the Trump administration's move to impose additional 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum products, and indicated his intention to continue urging the U.S. to exclude Japan from tariffs on automobiles.
2025-03-14 11:21:00
A board meeting of the House of Representatives Health, Labor and Welfare Committee was held, and the ruling and opposition parties discussed future schedules, but no agreement could be reached, with the opposition parties insisting that they could not agree until there was a clear prospect of submitting a bill related to pension system reform.
2025-03-14 11:19:00
Foreign Minister Iwao, who is visiting Canada, met with the foreign ministers of Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom in succession in the early hours of the 14th (Japan time), and reaffirmed the importance of coordinating with the G7 and like-minded countries regarding the situation in Ukraine.
2025-03-14 11:15:00
In response to the aircraft collision that occurred at Haneda Airport, the government approved a bill at a cabinet meeting on the 14th to amend the Aviation Act, which includes provisions to make it mandatory for pilots of the Japan Coast Guard to also receive training to eliminate human error, which is aimed at pilots of passenger and cargo planes.
2025-03-14 10:51:00
In light of concerns about labor shortages and declining transport capacity in the logistics industry, Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed relevant cabinet ministers to begin considering necessary measures, designating the period up to fiscal 2030 as a period of intensive reform.
2025-03-14 10:39:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time LDP members of the House of Representatives he had dinner with last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem with this, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and that they did not constitute donations related to political activities.
2025-03-14 10:34:00
The G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, being held in Canada on the 14th Japan time, discussed the situation in the Middle East, and Foreign Minister Iwao expressed his intention to work with East Asian countries and others to expand and diversify support for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
2025-03-14 10:32:00
Regarding the bills related to pension system reform, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Fukuoka stated that these are important bills, as they will increase the future pensions that part-time workers and other workers will receive by expanding the scope of application of the Employees' Pension Insurance, and expressed his intention to expedite adjustments so that the bills can be submitted to the Diet as soon as possible.
2025-03-14 10:20:00
In order to review the retrial system, which has been criticized for prolonging proceedings, Justice Minister Suzuki announced that he will ask the Legislative Council to consider amending the law on the 28th of this month. One of the items to be considered is whether prosecutors should be prohibited from appealing the decision to start a retrial.
2025-03-14 10:16:00
The government approved a bill to amend the NTT Act and related laws at a cabinet meeting on the 14th. Regarding the future of the NTT Act, which has been a focus of attention, the bill includes a provision to review the matter "including amendment and abolition" within three years of the enforcement of the revised law, and will postpone abolition for the time being.
2025-03-14 08:27:00
(Prime Minister Ishiba's Activities March 13, 2025) 07:46 Departure from the official residence 07:54 Arrival at the Imperial Hotel in Uchisaiwaicho, Tokyo. Breakfast meeting with Ken Kobayashi, Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the French restaurant "Les Saisons" 08:59 Departure from the same place 09:04 Arrival at the House of Councillors Annex No. 2. Had teeth cleaning at a dental clinic. 09:25 Departed from the same place. 09:28 Arrived at the Prime Minister's Office. 09:31 Met with Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Mori Masafumi, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kanai Masaaki, and Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau Ishizuki Hideo (until 09:51). 10:00 Met with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Satoshi Satoshi, Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakata Wataru, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Secretariat's Headquarters for Revitalizing New Local Economies and Living Environments Ebihara Satoshi, Deputy Director-General for Policy Coordination of the Cabinet Office Takahashi Kenji, Commissioner-General of the Financial Services Agency Ito Hideki, Deputy Counselor for Policy Planning Horimoto Yoshio, and Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Fujiwara Akio (until 10:35). 10:36 Met with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakata, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Katahira Satoshi, Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Iida Yuji, and Deputy Counselor for Policy Planning Motegi Tadashi (until 11:22). 11:23 Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Mori meets with Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Yoshioka Mikio (until 11:32) 11:39 Receives a resolution regarding the road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama from LDP Sewerage Works Promotion Parliamentary League Chairman Tamura Norihisa and Saitama Prefectural Chapter Chairman Shibayama Masahiko (until 11:48) 11:49 Leaves the Prime Minister's Office 11:53 Arrives at party headquarters 11:54 Certificates of recommendation issued to Komeito candidates for the House of Councillors election. Tetsuo Saito, leader of the LDP, also in attendance (until 12:18) 12:19 Awarding of long-serving LDP members (until 12:27) 12:28 Leaves the office 12:30 Arrives at the Prime Minister's Office 13:32 Met with Masataka Okano, Director-General of the National Security Council (until 13:39) 13:40 Met with Ryo Minami, Deputy Director-General for Commerce and Services Affairs, METI, and Satoshi Mizushima, Deputy Director-General for Foreign Affairs (until 13:54) 14:27 Welcomes President Heine of the Marshall Islands 14:28 Honor guard salute, guard of honor (until 14:36) 14:38 Summit meeting with President Heine (until 15:22) 15:23 Seeing off President Heine (until 15:24) 15:40 Leaves the Prime Minister's Office 15:42 Arrives at the National Diet 15:44 Enters the House of Representatives First Committee Room 15:45 Former Digital Minister Taro Kono talks with Shinji Inoue, the ruling party's top director in the House of Representatives Budget Committee (until 15:46). 15:50 House of Representatives Budget Committee opens. 17:01 House of Representatives Budget Committee adjourns. Leaves the room. 17:03 Leaves the Diet. 17:05 Arrives at the Prime Minister's Office. 17:13 "Digi-da Koshien" award ceremony (until 17:36). 18:00 National Security Council (until 18:44). 18:55 Meets with Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoshiharu Muto, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Director-General of the National Security Secretariat Okano, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Katahira, Administrative Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Iida, Director-General of the Trade Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Katsuyoshi Arai, and Commissioner of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Yoshifumi (until 19:22). 19:47 Leaves the Prime Minister's Office. 19:54 Arrives at Hotel New Otani in Kioicho, Tokyo. Attended a social gathering for the party's House of Representatives members who were first elected in the 2012 House of Representatives election at the banquet hall "LAPIS L" 20:47 Departure from the venue 20:54 Arrival at the official residence 23:22 Interviews with media companies (until 23:34)
2025-03-14 08:11:00
Foreign Minister Iwaya, who is visiting Canada, met with US Secretary of State Rubio just before 7:00 a.m. on the 14th, Japan time. Minister Iwaya is believed to have once again requested that Japan be excluded from tariff measures on steel products and other items.
2025-03-14 07:48:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time LDP members of the House of Representatives he had dinner with last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem with this, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and that they did not constitute donations related to political activities.
2025-03-14 05:14:00
It has been revealed that Prime Minister Ishiba handed out gift certificates worth 100,000 yen to each of the offices of one-time LDP members of the House of Representatives he had dinner with last week. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that there was no legal problem with this, saying that the gifts were purchased at his own expense as souvenirs for the dinner and that they did not constitute donations related to political activities.
2025-03-14 03:37:00
At the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting being held in Canada from the evening of the 13th to the early hours of the 14th (Japan time), the ministers confirmed that the G7, now in its 50th year, will maintain and strengthen its unity, and, bearing in mind China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region, oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo.
