Political News(2025/05/21)
At his inauguration press conference, new Agriculture Minister Koizumi said, "We will cancel the bidding for stockpiled rice and consider discretionary contracts."
2025-05-21 22:46:00
The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Koizumi, held an inauguration press conference on the evening of the 21st and revealed that the bidding for stockpiled rice scheduled for next week would be temporarily halted, and that he was considering revising it to a "discretionary contract" in which the rice would be sold to individual parties.
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Prime Minister Ishiba meets with Paraguayan President to confirm substantial agreement on investment agreement
2025-05-21 22:09:00
Prime Minister Ishiba met with President Peña of Paraguay, who is visiting Japan, and confirmed that the relationship between the two countries has been upgraded to a "strategic partnership" and that a substantial agreement has been reached on an investment agreement that has been under negotiation.
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LDP: "Spouses of female members of the Imperial family will not be considered members of the Imperial family" - Leave it to Aso to decide how to handle this
2025-05-21 21:58:00
The Liberal Democratic Party held a roundtable discussion to discuss how to ensure stable imperial succession, and reaffirmed its policy that if a female member of the imperial family remains in the royal family after marriage, her spouse and children will not become members of the imperial family. The party also entrusted Chief Advisor Aso with the task of drawing up a draft legislative summary.
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At his inauguration press conference, new Agriculture Minister Koizumi said, "We will cancel the bidding for stockpiled rice and consider discretionary contracts."
2025-05-21 21:46:00
The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Koizumi, held an inauguration press conference on the evening of the 21st and revealed that the bidding for stockpiled rice scheduled for next week had been temporarily canceled and that the government was considering revising the method of sale to a discretionary contract.
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Prime Minister Koizumi instructed to "consider selling stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts"
2025-05-21 21:29:00
On the afternoon of the 21st, Prime Minister Ishiba informed the LDP's former election campaign chief, Shinjiro Koizumi, that he would be appointed as the successor to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto, whose resignation he accepted. He then told reporters, "In light of the current situation of rice prices remaining high, I have instructed Mr. Koizumi to take strong measures to ensure that rice can be supplied to consumers at a stable price, and to consider selling stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts."
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Prime Minister Ishiba meets with Austrian President to discuss US tariff measures, etc.
2025-05-21 21:14:00
Prime Minister Ishiba met with Austrian President Van der Bellen, who is visiting Japan, and exchanged views on issues including the impact of the U.S. tariff measures on the global economy and the multilateral trading system.
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The LDP, Komeito and CDP agree to begin negotiations on amending pension reform bills on the 22nd
2025-05-21 21:11:00
The Liberal Democratic Party, the Komeito Party, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan have agreed to hold revision talks on the pension system reform bill from the 22nd. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is putting together the outline of an amendment to include a measure to raise the basic pension that was omitted from the government's bill, and how to handle this measure is expected to be a focal point.
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At his inauguration press conference, new Agriculture Minister Koizumi said, "We will cancel the bidding for stockpiled rice and consider discretionary contracts."
2025-05-21 20:57:00
The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Koizumi, held an inauguration press conference on the evening of the 21st and revealed that the bidding for stockpiled rice scheduled for next week had been temporarily canceled and that the government was considering revising the method of sale to a discretionary contract.
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Democratic Party Senator Mizuno "deeply apologizes" for allegations of power harassment against secretary
2025-05-21 19:28:00
Constitutional Democratic Party Senator Mizuno Motoko, who has indicated she will not run in the Kanagawa electoral district in the summer's House of Councillors election, held a press conference on the 21st in response to reports of allegations of power harassment against her secretary, saying, "I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my words or actions."
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New Agriculture Minister Koizumi: "I will tackle this with the mindset of 'Minister of Rice'" as he takes office for the first time
2025-05-21 19:25:00
The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Koizumi, arrived at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the first time at around 6pm on the 21st. When asked by reporters how he felt, Koizumi made no reply and headed to his office in silence. After this, Minister Koizumi will hold a press conference to announce his inauguration and explain his thoughts on future rice price cuts.
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[Details] Agriculture Minister Eto submits resignation, Shinjiro Koizumi appointed as successor
2025-05-21 19:12:00
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his remarks such as "I have never bought rice."
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Prime Minister Ishiba: "The LDP and CDP must take responsibility for coming to a conclusion on the pension reform bill"
2025-05-21 19:03:00
In the Diet, the second debate between Prime Minister Ishiba and the opposition party leaders was held following the one held last month. Constitutional Democratic Party leader Noda criticized the pension system reform bill as insufficient and called for the first-place LDP and second-place Constitutional Democratic Party to hold revision talks. Prime Minister Ishiba responded that he would like to reach a conclusion under the responsibility of both parties.
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Prime Minister Koizumi instructed to "consider selling stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts"
2025-05-21 18:56:00
On the afternoon of the 21st, Prime Minister Ishiba informed the LDP's former election campaign chief, Shinjiro Koizumi, that he would be appointed as the successor to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto, whose resignation he accepted. He then told reporters, "In light of the current situation of rice prices remaining high, I have instructed Mr. Koizumi to take strong measures to ensure that rice can be supplied to consumers at a stable price, and to consider selling stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts."
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The House of Councillors Constitutional Review Committee: Parties debate the gap between the Constitution and reality
2025-05-21 17:27:00
The House of Councillors' Constitutional Review Committee held a debate on the discrepancy between the Constitution and reality, with the Liberal Democratic Party arguing that the "combined districts" in the House of Councillors should be eliminated. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan also called for the realization of a legal amendment to introduce a selective system of separate surnames for married couples in the current Diet session.
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Agriculture Minister Eto submits his resignation Rice retailers, farmers and local Miyazaki residents
2025-05-21 17:17:00
Reactions from around the country to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto's resignation following his remarks regarding rice.
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Liberal Democratic Party and Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan meet with House of Councillors Diet Affairs Committee chairpersons to agree to hold intensive deliberations in the Budget Committee on June 2
2025-05-21 15:40:00
The Liberal Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's House of Councillors Diet Affairs Committee chairmen met and agreed to invite Prime Minister Ishiba to attend on June 2nd and hold intensive discussions in the House of Councillors Budget Committee.
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Agriculture Minister Eto submits his resignation Rice retailers, farmers and local Miyazaki residents
2025-05-21 15:30:00
Reactions from around the country to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto's resignation following his remarks regarding rice.
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House of Representatives Budget Committee invites Shimomura as witness, leaves future response up to Chairman Yasuzumi
2025-05-21 15:24:00
Regarding the issue of political funding within the Liberal Democratic Party factions, at a meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee directors, the opposition parties, who called for the calling of former Policy Research Council Chairman Shimomura, a former Abe faction leader, as a reference person, could not reach an agreement, and the Liberal Democratic Party, which opposed the call, left the future response to Chairman Yasuzumi.
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Shinjiro Koizumi: "I will focus on my role as Minister of Rice"
2025-05-21 14:46:00
Shinjiro Koizumi, former election campaign chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba at the Prime Minister's Official Residence that he had been informed that he would be appointed as the successor to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto.
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Optional separate surnames for married couples: LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Onodera "Examine the impact of related laws and regulations"
2025-05-21 13:43:00
Regarding the option of separate surnames for married couples, LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Onodera expressed the view that if the system is introduced, it is necessary to carefully examine its impact on related laws and regulations.
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60th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea: Dedicated immigration lanes to be set up at both airports for one month
2025-05-21 13:41:00
To coincide with the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea this year, the Government of Japan, in cooperation with the South Korean Government, has announced that it will set up dedicated lanes at some airports in Japan and South Korea for the month of June in order to shorten the time it takes for nationals of both countries to undergo immigration checks.
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[Updated regularly] Shinjiro Koizumi reportedly appointed as successor to Agriculture Minister Eto
2025-05-21 13:28:00
Shinjiro Koizumi, former election campaign chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, revealed to reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba at the Prime Minister's Official Residence that he had been informed that he would be appointed as the successor to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto. The second half of the article shows Koizumi's remarks to the reporters in an uncut video.
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Revised NTT law etc. passed; Nationwide uniform telephone service; Changes in conditions for carriers
2025-05-21 13:27:00
The revised NTT Act, which includes changes to the conditions that NTT is required to meet in order to provide uniform nationwide telephone services, was passed and enacted at the House of Councilors plenary session on the 21st.
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Agriculture Minister Eto resigns Rice retailers and local citizens
2025-05-21 13:11:00
Reactions from around the country to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto's resignation following his remarks regarding rice.
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Shinjiro Koizumi reportedly appointed as the successor to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto
2025-05-21 12:56:00
Shinjiro Koizumi, former election campaign chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba at the Prime Minister's Official Residence that he had been informed that he would be appointed as the successor to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto.
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Bill to amend law to raise teacher salary top-up enters Upper House deliberations
2025-05-21 12:56:00
Deliberations on a proposed amendment to the law to increase the additional salary paid to teachers in lieu of overtime pay began in the House of Councillors on the 21st.
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[Details] Agriculture Minister Eto submits resignation, Shinjiro Koizumi to be appointed as successor
2025-05-21 12:28:00
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his remarks such as "I have never bought rice."
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Prime Minister Ishiba intends to appoint Shinjiro Koizumi as successor to Agriculture Minister Eto who submitted his resignation
2025-05-21 12:06:00
Prime Minister Ishiba has decided to appoint Shinjiro Koizumi, former election campaign chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, as the successor to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto, who has submitted his resignation.
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[Details] Agriculture Minister Eto submits resignation, Shinjiro Koizumi to be appointed as successor
2025-05-21 11:47:00
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his remarks such as "I have never bought rice."
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Government: Minister of Economic Revitalization Akazawa to report to House of Councillors on visit to the U.S. from the 23rd for tariff ministerial negotiations
2025-05-21 11:03:00
The government reported to the House of Councillors' Rules and Administration Committee that Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa will visit Washington for three days from the 23rd to hold ministerial negotiations regarding the tariff measures imposed by the Trump administration, and this was approved.
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Prime Minister Ishiba's Activities May 20, 2025
2025-05-21 10:57:00
(Prime Minister Ishiba's Activities May 20, 2025)
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Agriculture Minister Eto submits resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba over "I've never bought rice" remark
2025-05-21 09:41:00
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his remarks such as "I have never bought rice."
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[Breaking News] Agriculture Minister Eto submits resignation after saying "I've never bought rice"
2025-05-21 09:00:00
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his remarks such as "I have never bought rice."
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Prime Minister Ishiba intends to appoint Shinjiro Koizumi as successor to Agriculture Minister Eto who submitted his resignation
2025-05-21 08:28:00
Prime Minister Ishiba has decided to appoint Shinjiro Koizumi, former election campaign chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, as the successor to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto, who has submitted his resignation.
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[Breaking News] Agriculture Minister Eto submits resignation after saying "I've never bought rice"
2025-05-21 08:10:00
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba, saying he wanted to take responsibility for his remarks such as "I have never bought rice."
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U.S. Treasury Secretary expected to be absent from next Japan-U.S. negotiations over tariff measures
2025-05-21 04:54:00
Regarding the US tariff measures, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa is scheduled to attend the next ministerial negotiations on the 24th Japan time. With US Treasury Secretary Bessent expected to be absent, Minister Akazawa is expected to look for areas where they can reach a compromise while assessing the reactions of the other two ministers.
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Prime Minister Ishiba plans to replace Agriculture Minister Eto, final decision to be made today
2025-05-21 04:19:00
Prime Minister Ishiba has decided to replace Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto, who made statements such as "I have never bought rice." This is seen as a de facto replacement, and a final decision is scheduled for the 21st.
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Japan-Bulgaria relations to be upgraded to "strategic partnership"
2025-05-21 00:04:00
On the evening of the 20th, Prime Minister Ishiba met with Bulgarian President Radev, who is visiting Japan, and confirmed that the relationship between the two countries will be upgraded to a "strategic partnership" and that they will strengthen cooperation in areas such as security and the economy.
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