2025-04-08 23:01:00
The government has begun preparations to release stockpiles of rice for the third time, citing the need for further measures to stabilize the price of rice, which continues to soar. Prime Minister Ishiba and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto are expected to hold final discussions soon and make a decision.
2025-04-08 22:11:00
Defense Minister Nakatani met with NATO Secretary-General Rutte, who is visiting Japan, at the Ministry of Defense and conveyed Japan's intention to participate in NATO's efforts to repair equipment and train soldiers as part of its support for Ukraine.
2025-04-08 21:54:00
In the past, the United States has repeatedly adopted a protectionist stance and called on Japan and other countries to make trade adjustments.
2025-04-08 21:28:00
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) approved the outline of a proposed revision to the Civil Code at a joint party meeting to introduce a selective system of separate surnames for married couples. If a couple chooses to have separate surnames, the surname of their children will be decided at the time of marriage.
2025-04-08 21:11:00
Regarding a reduction in the consumption tax rate, Constitutional Democratic Party Secretary-General Ogawa stated that in addition to rising prices, concerns about an economic recession are growing due to the U.S. tariff measures, and he indicated that he would consider including a reduction in the consumption tax rate in the party's future economic measures.
2025-04-08 19:30:00
A new bill on the use of AI has been put on the floor of the House of Representatives for deliberation. Minister of Science and Technology Ihara stressed that research and development and human resource development will be promoted while also addressing the risks posed by AI, and called for understanding for the bill's early passage.
2025-04-08 19:26:00
Senior members of the Liberal Democratic Party held discussions on how to handle the pension system reform-related bills, whose submission to the Diet has been postponed, but no conclusion was reached as of the 8th, and it was decided that they would continue to examine the contents.
2025-04-08 19:19:00
In the past, the United States has repeatedly adopted a protectionist stance and called on Japan and other countries to make trade adjustments.
2025-04-08 18:52:00
At a House of Representatives ruling and opposition party conference discussing parliamentary reform, the Liberal Democratic Party presented a proposal to limit the number of opportunities for ministers to attend committees in order to reduce the burden on them, and it was decided that discussions on this would continue.
2025-04-08 18:28:00
Regarding fiscal policy, the LDP held the first meeting of a new organization that combines the fiscal reconstruction faction and the active fiscal policy faction to discuss issues such as how to deal with the goal of fiscal consolidation, and is set to compile recommendations to the government as early as next month.
2025-04-08 17:11:00
A bill to introduce "active cyber defense" to prevent cyber attacks before they occur was amended to include strengthening the involvement of the Diet, passed by a majority vote of both the ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives, and sent to the House of Councillors.
2025-04-08 15:51:00
Regarding the "disaster relief funds" provided to victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake by municipalities at financial contributions from the national government and other organizations, Minister of Reconstruction Ito expressed the view that it is necessary to take measures to extend the repayment period, which is currently set at a maximum of 13 years.
2025-04-08 15:48:00
As part of efforts to facilitate smooth information sharing among lawmakers, the Liberal Democratic Party has begun an initiative to report important statements made by party executives that have an impact on the party as a whole at a meeting of representatives held before the House of Representatives plenary session.
2025-04-08 15:11:00
This year's Diplomatic Bluebook points out that the development of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea not only leads to a further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine, but is also a cause for serious concern from the perspective of security surrounding Japan.
2025-04-08 14:47:00
In response to the large-scale forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Murakami announced that he would establish a new panel of experts to analyze the factors that led to the spread of the fire and to consider how to carry out effective firefighting activities.
2025-04-08 14:38:00
A bill to introduce "active cyber defense" to prevent cyber attacks before they occur was amended to include strengthening the involvement of the Diet, passed by a majority vote of both the ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives, and sent to the House of Councillors.
2025-04-08 10:47:00
The Japanese government has decided to extend its own sanctions against North Korea, which are due to expire next week, for another two years, taking into account North Korea's continued nuclear and missile development, as well as the abduction issue.
2025-04-08 10:10:00
In response to the US tariff measures, the government held its first meeting of the comprehensive task force, consisting of all cabinet ministers. Prime Minister Ishiba instructed the government to work together to respond, including through diplomatic negotiations to request a review of the measures and by providing support to domestic industries.
2025-04-08 09:57:00
This year's Diplomatic Bluebook points out that the development of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea not only leads to a further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine, but is also a cause for serious concern from the perspective of security surrounding Japan.
2025-04-08 08:59:00
In order to realize regional revitalization, Prime Minister Ishiba has indicated his intention to compile a basic plan in June on which to focus efforts over the next 10 years, and has instructed his Cabinet ministers to accelerate consideration of specific measures that will lead to the development of the country and regions.
2025-04-08 08:17:00
(Prime Minister Ishiba's Activities April 7, 2025)
2025-04-08 06:58:00
Regarding the US tariff measures, Prime Minister Ishiba spoke with President Trump by phone on the evening of the 7th, and agreed to continue discussions by appointing the relevant cabinet members. Going forward, the plan is to continue to select the relevant cabinet members and persistently call for a review of the measures at all levels. Following the phone call, Treasury Secretary Bessent revealed that he and USTR (US Trade Representative) Gurria would begin discussions on the tariff measures with the relevant Japanese cabinet members.
