Japan’s lower house on Wednesday (February 18) officially reappointed Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister, just 10 days after her party clinched a commanding victory in snap elections. The 64-year-old leader, who became Japan’s first woman Prime Minister in October, secured a two-thirds majority for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the February 8 vote. The decisive outcome strengthens her mandate as she advances a platform centered on national security and economic revitalisation.&nbsp;Takaichi has pledged to expand Japan’s defense capabilities to safeguard its territory and surrounding waters, a stance that could further inflame tensions with Beijing. She previously indicated that Tokyo might consider military involvement if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force, prompting sharp criticism from Chinese officials. At the Munich Security Conference, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused elements within Japan of attempting to “revive militarism.” In a major policy address expected Friday, Takaichi is anticipated to outline revisions to Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ai-impact-summit-2026-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-announces-new-india-us-subsea-cable-project-1771420516184">AI Impact Summit 2026: Google CEO Sundar Pichai announces new India-US subsea cable project</a>&nbsp;Government officials say the regional security landscape has grown increasingly challenging since the framework was first introduced. Planned measures are expected to include reinforcing supply chains and deepening free trade ties through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which Britain joined in 2024. Her administration is also preparing legislation to establish a National Intelligence Agency and initiate formal debate over an anti-espionage law.&nbsp;Domestically, Takaichi faces mounting economic pressures. Despite persistent labor shortages and a declining population, she has promised stricter immigration policies. To ease the burden of rising prices, she intends to temporarily remove the consumption tax on food for two years. The proposal, however, has heightened investor concerns about Japan’s already substantial public debt. Long-term government bond yields reached record highs last month, and the International Monetary Fund has warned that debt-servicing costs could double between 2025 and 2031. Critics argue that suspending the food tax would reduce a stable source of government revenue.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rafale-deal-boost-hammer-missiles-to-be-made-in-india-with-bharat-electronics-wion-1771419603753/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/rafale-deal-boost-hammer-missiles-to-be-made-in-india-with-bharat-electronics-wion-1771419603753/embed</a>&nbsp;In response, Takaichi is expected to reiterate her commitment to disciplined fiscal management and set goals to curb the debt burden. She also plans to establish a bipartisan national council to examine tax reform and identify sustainable funding solutions for Japan’s expanding social security costs tied to its aging population. Her immediate priority will be securing parliamentary approval for the national budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1, a process delayed by the election campaign.&nbsp;The ruling coalition is additionally seeking legislation that would criminalise the destruction of the national flag. Lawmakers also aim to accelerate debate on constitutional revisions and reforms to imperial succession rules amid concerns over the shrinking pool of eligible heirs. Takaichi and many within the LDP oppose allowing a woman to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, though proposals to adopt additional male members into the imperial family remain under discussion.

Japan’s Sanae Takaichi reappointed as Prime Minister after massive election win

Japan’s lower house on Wednesday (February 18) officially reappointed Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister, just 10 days after her party clinched a commanding victory in snap elections. The 64-year-old leader, who became Japan’s first woman Prime Minister in October, secured a two-thirds majority for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the February 8 vote. The decisive outcome strengthens her mandate as she advances a platform centered on national security and economic revitalisation. Takaichi has pledged to expand Japan’s defense capabilities to safeguard its territory and surrounding waters, a stance that could further inflame tensions with Beijing. She previously indicated that Tokyo might consider military involvement if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force, prompting sharp criticism from Chinese officials. At the Munich Security Conference, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused elements within Japan of attempting to “revive militarism.” In a major policy address expected Friday, Takaichi is anticipated to outline revisions to Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) strategy. Also Read: AI Impact Summit 2026: Google CEO Sundar Pichai announces new India-US subsea cable project Government officials say the regional security landscape has grown increasingly challenging since the framework was first introduced. Planned measures are expected to include reinforcing supply chains and deepening free trade ties through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which Britain joined in 2024. Her administration is also preparing legislation to establish a National Intelligence Agency and initiate formal debate over an anti-espionage law. Domestically, Takaichi faces mounting economic pressures. Despite persistent labor shortages and a declining population, she has promised stricter immigration policies. To ease the burden of rising prices, she intends to temporarily remove the consumption tax on food for two years. The proposal, however, has heightened investor concerns about Japan’s already substantial public debt. Long-term government bond yields reached record highs last month, and the International Monetary Fund has warned that debt-servicing costs could double between 2025 and 2031. Critics argue that suspending the food tax would reduce a stable source of government revenue. https://www.wionews.com/videos/rafale-deal-boost-hammer-missiles-to-be-made-in-india-with-bharat-electronics-wion-1771419603753/embed In response, Takaichi is expected to reiterate her commitment to disciplined fiscal management and set goals to curb the debt burden. She also plans to establish a bipartisan national council to examine tax reform and identify sustainable funding solutions for Japan’s expanding social security costs tied to its aging population. Her immediate priority will be securing parliamentary approval for the national budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1, a process delayed by the election campaign. The ruling coalition is additionally seeking legislation that would criminalise the destruction of the national flag. Lawmakers also aim to accelerate debate on constitutional revisions and reforms to imperial succession rules amid concerns over the shrinking pool of eligible heirs. Takaichi and many within the LDP oppose allowing a woman to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, though proposals to adopt additional male members into the imperial family remain under discussion.

Japan reappoints Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after a landslide win, as she pushes defense reforms, tax relief, and fiscal discipline

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Feb 8) congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her coalition's projected victory in snap elections and said that it was an honour to endorse her. Wishing her “great success,” the US President said that Takaichi "is a highly respected and very popular leader" nad her “bold and wise decision” to call for early election has paid off. Trump also claimed that Takaichi's victory is the biggest in Japan since World War II while not providing any evidence of his claim. "I wish you Great Success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda." "I wish you Great Success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda. The wonderful people of Japan, who voted with such enthusiasm, will always have my strong support," Trump wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-elections-iron-lady-sanae-takaichi-scores-big-win-pm-modi-congratulates-says-will-take-india-japan-friendship-to-greater-heights-1770569011980">Japan elections: 'Iron Lady’ Sanae Takaichi scores big win, PM Modi congratulates, says 'will take India-Japan friendship to greater heights'</a>&nbsp;Earlier, as she was poised to win, Takaichi expressed gratitude to Trump for his public endorsement, calling the Japan-US alliance “limitless” and confirming plans to visit the White House this year. Trump had praised her shortly before the vote too calling her “strong and patriotic leader.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, saying a strong Japan strengthens America’s position in Asia. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the result as a “landmark victory,” reaffirming the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in promoting global stability and prosperity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Takaichi, emphasizing the growing strategic cooperation and mutual trust between Rome and Tokyo.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-polls-ldp-looking-to-make-a-comeback-after-losing-majority-in-both-houses-1770465942824/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-polls-ldp-looking-to-make-a-comeback-after-losing-majority-in-both-houses-1770465942824/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What are the challenges that Takaichi faces?</h2>The victory marks the LDP’s strongest showing since 2017 under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s mentor. Addressing supporters, Takaichi pledged that the economic situation will be improved. However, despite the electoral triumph, economic challenges loom large. Inflation and stagnant wages remain major concerns, having already brought down two of her predecessors. While Takaichi has rolled out a massive stimulus package and pledged to suspend food consumption taxes, critics warn Japan’s towering public debt could worsen fiscal risks. Her assertive foreign policy stance has also stirred tensions with China. Shortly after taking office, she suggested Japan could intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, prompting sharp retaliation from Beijing, including diplomatic protests and military exercises with Russia.&nbsp;Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-resign-immediately-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-if-ruling-coalition-loses-majority-in-upcoming-general-election-1769435098171">'Will resign immediately': Japan PM Sanae Takaichi if ruling coalition loses majority in upcoming general election</a>

Trump congratulated Japan PM Sanae Takaichi on her coalition’s landslide snap election victory, calling it a “great success.” Takaichi thanked Trump for his endorsement, reaffirmed the Japan-US alliance, and pledged economic reforms amid rising regional tensions.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Feb 8) congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her coalition's projected victory in snap elections and said that it was an honour to endorse her. Wishing her “great success,” the US President said that Takaichi "is a highly respected and very popular leader" nad her “bold and wise decision” to call for early election has paid off. Trump also claimed that Takaichi's victory is the biggest in Japan since World War II while not providing any evidence of his claim. "I wish you Great Success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda." "I wish you Great Success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda. The wonderful people of Japan, who voted with such enthusiasm, will always have my strong support," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Also Read | Japan elections: 'Iron Lady’ Sanae Takaichi scores big win, PM Modi congratulates, says 'will take India-Japan friendship to greater heights' Earlier, as she was poised to win, Takaichi expressed gratitude to Trump for his public endorsement, calling the Japan-US alliance “limitless” and confirming plans to visit the White House this year. Trump had praised her shortly before the vote too calling her “strong and patriotic leader.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, saying a strong Japan strengthens America’s position in Asia. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the result as a “landmark victory,” reaffirming the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in promoting global stability and prosperity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Takaichi, emphasizing the growing strategic cooperation and mutual trust between Rome and Tokyo. https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-polls-ldp-looking-to-make-a-comeback-after-losing-majority-in-both-houses-1770465942824/embed What are the challenges that Takaichi faces? The victory marks the LDP’s strongest showing since 2017 under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s mentor. Addressing supporters, Takaichi pledged that the economic situation will be improved. However, despite the electoral triumph, economic challenges loom large. Inflation and stagnant wages remain major concerns, having already brought down two of her predecessors. While Takaichi has rolled out a massive stimulus package and pledged to suspend food consumption taxes, critics warn Japan’s towering public debt could worsen fiscal risks. Her assertive foreign policy stance has also stirred tensions with China. Shortly after taking office, she suggested Japan could intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, prompting sharp retaliation from Beijing, including diplomatic protests and military exercises with Russia. Also Read | 'Will resign immediately': Japan PM Sanae Takaichi if ruling coalition loses majority in upcoming general election

Trump congratulated Japan PM Sanae Takaichi on her coalition’s landslide snap election victory, calling it a “great success.” Takaichi thanked Trump for his endorsement, reaffirmed the Japan-US alliance, and pledged economic reforms amid rising regional tensions.

'First time since World War II': Trump congratulates Japan's Sanae Takaichi on election victory, reaffirms US support

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a decisive and historic mandate on Sunday (February 8) as her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) delivered a landslide performance in snap elections, reshaping the country’s political landscape. The LDP crossed the 233-seat threshold for a simple majority within hours of polls closing and is projected to win around 300 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives. Alongside coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), Takaichi now commands a two-thirds supermajority, giving her the power to override the upper house and fast-track legislation.&nbsp;World leaders quickly responded to the outcome. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the result as a “landmark victory,” reaffirming the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in promoting global stability and prosperity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Takaichi, emphasizing the growing strategic cooperation and mutual trust between Rome and Tokyo.&nbsp;Takaichi expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his public endorsement, calling the Japan-US alliance “limitless” and confirming plans to visit the White House this spring. Trump had praised her shortly before the vote as a strong and patriotic leader. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, saying a strong Japan strengthens America’s position in Asia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-elections-anutin-s-party-poised-for-dominant-win-amid-border-tensions-1770562545044">Thailand elections: Anutin’s party poised for dominant win amid border tensions</a>&nbsp;The victory marks the LDP’s strongest showing since 2017 under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s mentor. Addressing supporters, she pledged fiscal responsibility alongside targeted investments, stressing the need for both public and private sector spending to build a resilient economy. The election proved devastating for the opposition. The Centrist Reform Alliance, formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party and former LDP partner Komeito, is expected to lose more than two-thirds of its seats. Meanwhile, the anti-immigration Sanseito party made modest gains, increasing its parliamentary presence.&nbsp;Takaichi has revitalized the long-ruling LDP after voter frustration over corruption scandals and rising living costs eroded public trust in recent years. Once considered a fringe ultra-conservative, she has broadened her appeal, especially among younger voters, blending a tough political image with pop-culture moments and a high-profile diplomatic style.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-regrets-end-of-nuclear-weapons-treaty-with-us-1770568552480/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-regrets-end-of-nuclear-weapons-treaty-with-us-1770568552480/embed</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">衆議院議員総選挙における画期的な御勝利に際し、髙市早苗閣下に心よりお祝い申し上げます。 日印特別戦略的・グローバル・パートナーシップは、世界の平和、安定及び繁栄を強化する上で、重要な役割を果たしております。…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2020537325655294274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite the electoral triumph, economic challenges loom large. Inflation and stagnant wages remain major concerns, having already brought down two of her predecessors. While Takaichi has rolled out a massive stimulus package and pledged to suspend food consumption taxes, critics warn Japan’s towering public debt, now more than double its GDP, could worsen fiscal risks. Her assertive foreign policy stance has also stirred tensions with China. Shortly after taking office, she suggested Japan could intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, prompting sharp retaliation from Beijing, including diplomatic protests and military exercises with Russia.&nbsp;Analysts say the controversy may have strengthened her domestic standing, but warn that stabilizing ties with China will be critical. With no major elections until 2028, Takaichi now has the political space to focus on economic recovery, fiscal sustainability, and managing Japan’s regional relationships.

Japan elections: 'Iron Lady’ Sanae Takaichi scores big win, PM Modi congratulates, says 'will take India-Japan friendship to greater heights'

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a decisive and historic mandate on Sunday (February 8) as her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) delivered a landslide performance in snap elections, reshaping the country’s political landscape. The LDP crossed the 233-seat threshold for a simple majority within hours of polls closing and is projected to win around 300 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives. Alongside coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), Takaichi now commands a two-thirds supermajority, giving her the power to override the upper house and fast-track legislation. World leaders quickly responded to the outcome. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the result as a “landmark victory,” reaffirming the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in promoting global stability and prosperity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Takaichi, emphasizing the growing strategic cooperation and mutual trust between Rome and Tokyo. Takaichi expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his public endorsement, calling the Japan-US alliance “limitless” and confirming plans to visit the White House this spring. Trump had praised her shortly before the vote as a strong and patriotic leader. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, saying a strong Japan strengthens America’s position in Asia. Also Read: Thailand elections: Anutin’s party poised for dominant win amid border tensions The victory marks the LDP’s strongest showing since 2017 under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s mentor. Addressing supporters, she pledged fiscal responsibility alongside targeted investments, stressing the need for both public and private sector spending to build a resilient economy. The election proved devastating for the opposition. The Centrist Reform Alliance, formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party and former LDP partner Komeito, is expected to lose more than two-thirds of its seats. Meanwhile, the anti-immigration Sanseito party made modest gains, increasing its parliamentary presence. Takaichi has revitalized the long-ruling LDP after voter frustration over corruption scandals and rising living costs eroded public trust in recent years. Once considered a fringe ultra-conservative, she has broadened her appeal, especially among younger voters, blending a tough political image with pop-culture moments and a high-profile diplomatic style. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-regrets-end-of-nuclear-weapons-treaty-with-us-1770568552480/embed

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi wins a historic landslide, giving her coalition a supermajority and strong backing to push economic and defense reforms

Voting has ended in Japan’s snap election, called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and early projections show a strong victory for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Takaichi, the country's first female prime minister, called the vote to secure a clear public mandate just four months after becoming party leader. The projected win stands in sharp contrast to her two predecessors, under whose leadership the LDP lost its parliamentary majority amid corruption scandals and rising living costs. For much of Japan’s post-war history, an LDP-led coalition has governed, largely due to the absence of a formidable opposition.&nbsp;Some critics described the decision as a risky move after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in both chambers of parliament and saw its long-standing coalition with the Komeito party fall apart. However, the leader’s strong personal approval appears to have boosted the party’s fortunes, with public support for her administration consistently remaining above 70%.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-there-a-hidden-message-in-savannah-guthrie-s-video-appeal-to-kidnappers-what-we-know-1770545046741">Was there a hidden message in Savannah Guthrie’s video appeal to kidnappers? What we know</a>&nbsp;According to a poll conducted by national broadcaster NHK, the LDP is expected to secure 274 of the 328 contested seats. Voters across Japan turned out despite heavy snowfall, marking the country’s first mid-winter election in 36 years. The transport ministry reported widespread disruption on Sunday morning, with 37 train routes and 58 ferry services suspended, along with 54 flight cancellations. Tokyo experienced rare snowfall as residents made their way to polling stations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/araghchi-nuclear-talks-open-u-s-bases-in-crosshairs-1770532547258/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/araghchi-nuclear-talks-open-u-s-bases-in-crosshairs-1770532547258/embed</a>&nbsp;“People want their lives to improve and feel more stable because we’re not used to inflation and rising prices,” said Tokyo voter Ritsuko Ninomiya in an interview with the BBC. “There’s a lot of anxiety, and I think what’s needed are long-term solutions, not temporary measures.” Public frustration has been growing over recent LDP scandals, particularly as living costs continue to climb. “Housing prices are extremely high,” said Rumi Hayama. “Our son is growing, and we need a larger home, but it’s not affordable even though we both have stable jobs. Everything is becoming more expensive, and life in Japan is getting harder. It didn’t used to be this way.”

Japan election: Sanae Takaichi's LDP poised for big win, exit poll shows

Voting has ended in Japan’s snap election, called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and early projections show a strong victory for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Takaichi, the country's first female prime minister, called the vote to secure a clear public mandate just four months after becoming party leader. The projected win stands in sharp contrast to her two predecessors, under whose leadership the LDP lost its parliamentary majority amid corruption scandals and rising living costs. For much of Japan’s post-war history, an LDP-led coalition has governed, largely due to the absence of a formidable opposition. Some critics described the decision as a risky move after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in both chambers of parliament and saw its long-standing coalition with the Komeito party fall apart. However, the leader’s strong personal approval appears to have boosted the party’s fortunes, with public support for her administration consistently remaining above 70%. Also Read: Was there a hidden message in Savannah Guthrie’s video appeal to kidnappers? What we know According to a poll conducted by national broadcaster NHK, the LDP is expected to secure 274 of the 328 contested seats. Voters across Japan turned out despite heavy snowfall, marking the country’s first mid-winter election in 36 years. The transport ministry reported widespread disruption on Sunday morning, with 37 train routes and 58 ferry services suspended, along with 54 flight cancellations. Tokyo experienced rare snowfall as residents made their way to polling stations. https://www.wionews.com/videos/araghchi-nuclear-talks-open-u-s-bases-in-crosshairs-1770532547258/embed “People want their lives to improve and feel more stable because we’re not used to inflation and rising prices,” said Tokyo voter Ritsuko Ninomiya in an interview with the BBC. “There’s a lot of anxiety, and I think what’s needed are long-term solutions, not temporary measures.” Public frustration has been growing over recent LDP scandals, particularly as living costs continue to climb. “Housing prices are extremely high,” said Rumi Hayama. “Our son is growing, and we need a larger home, but it’s not affordable even though we both have stable jobs. Everything is becoming more expensive, and life in Japan is getting harder. It didn’t used to be this way.”

Japan’s snap election points to a big LDP win, giving Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a strong mandate just months after taking the office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday (January 26) that she would step down immediately if her ruling coalition fails to secure a majority in the House of Representatives in the upcoming general election. Speaking during a televised debate among party leaders ahead of the official campaign period, Takaichi said the snap election was called to seek voter approval for a new governing alliance between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).&nbsp;She described the coalition as a significant political realignment and said she was prepared to accept the electorate’s verdict. The election campaign officially begins Tuesday, with voting scheduled for February 8. Takaichi also signaled plans to introduce legislation to temporarily eliminate the consumption tax on food items, potentially during an extraordinary session of the Diet later this year. She said the measure is aimed at easing the burden on households grappling with rising prices. Meanwhile, Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance, which brings together the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, said the opposition intends to prioritize the needs of residents and push for political change.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-cold-and-ice-storm-cripple-us-leaving-millions-without-power-and-disrupting-air-travel-1769431838368">Severe cold and ice storm cripple US, leaving millions without power and disrupting air travel</a><h2>Ahead of polls, Takaichi vows to push through tax cut</h2>Takaichi has further pledged to enact the proposed tax cut within the next fiscal year, if circumstances allow. She dissolved the lower house last week, saying she wanted a clear public mandate for her economic agenda. While analysts believe the LDP is well-positioned to perform strongly in the election, the party lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 following a series of political funding scandals. Even with a solid victory, Takaichi would still need support from opposition parties to pass legislation requiring approval from the upper house.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/twin-pandas-to-return-to-china-after-50-years-leaving-fans-emotional-1769431850059/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/twin-pandas-to-return-to-china-after-50-years-leaving-fans-emotional-1769431850059/embed</a>&nbsp;Known for her support of proactive fiscal policy, Takaichi has championed measures to counter the rising cost of living. However, her proposals, including a possible two-year suspension of the food tax, have unsettled financial markets and raised concerns over Japan’s already heavy debt load. Those worries have contributed to a weakening yen and a sell-off in government bonds. The softer currency risks increasing import costs, complicating efforts to control inflation.&nbsp;Takaichi said the government stands ready to respond to speculative market activity while maintaining a commitment to fiscal discipline. Investors remain alert to potential currency intervention, especially after recent signals suggesting US authorities may now tolerate such action. Reiterating her position, Takaichi said she would relinquish power if her coalition falls short in the election, adding that she intends to campaign with determination and optimism until voters cast their ballots.

'Will resign immediately': Japan PM Sanae Takaichi if ruling coalition loses majority in upcoming general election

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday (January 26) that she would step down immediately if her ruling coalition fails to secure a majority in the House of Representatives in the upcoming general election. Speaking during a televised debate among party leaders ahead of the official campaign period, Takaichi said the snap election was called to seek voter approval for a new governing alliance between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). She described the coalition as a significant political realignment and said she was prepared to accept the electorate’s verdict. The election campaign officially begins Tuesday, with voting scheduled for February 8. Takaichi also signaled plans to introduce legislation to temporarily eliminate the consumption tax on food items, potentially during an extraordinary session of the Diet later this year. She said the measure is aimed at easing the burden on households grappling with rising prices. Meanwhile, Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance, which brings together the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, said the opposition intends to prioritize the needs of residents and push for political change. Also Read: Severe cold and ice storm cripple US, leaving millions without power and disrupting air travel Ahead of polls, Takaichi vows to push through tax cut Takaichi has further pledged to enact the proposed tax cut within the next fiscal year, if circumstances allow. She dissolved the lower house last week, saying she wanted a clear public mandate for her economic agenda. While analysts believe the LDP is well-positioned to perform strongly in the election, the party lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 following a series of political funding scandals. Even with a solid victory, Takaichi would still need support from opposition parties to pass legislation requiring approval from the upper house. https://www.wionews.com/videos/twin-pandas-to-return-to-china-after-50-years-leaving-fans-emotional-1769431850059/embed Known for her support of proactive fiscal policy, Takaichi has championed measures to counter the rising cost of living. However, her proposals, including a possible two-year suspension of the food tax, have unsettled financial markets and raised concerns over Japan’s already heavy debt load. Those worries have contributed to a weakening yen and a sell-off in government bonds. The softer currency risks increasing import costs, complicating efforts to control inflation. Takaichi said the government stands ready to respond to speculative market activity while maintaining a commitment to fiscal discipline. Investors remain alert to potential currency intervention, especially after recent signals suggesting US authorities may now tolerate such action. Reiterating her position, Takaichi said she would relinquish power if her coalition falls short in the election, adding that she intends to campaign with determination and optimism until voters cast their ballots.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi says she will resign if her new coalition loses the election, while pledging food tax cuts to ease living costs ahead of polls

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was clinging on Monday even after his coalition disastrously lost its upper house majority, as painful new US tariffs loom.The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost continuously since 1955, and its partner Komeito had to win 50 seats in Sunday's election but they fell three short, national broadcaster NHK reported.Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which made strong gains with its "anti-globalist" drive echoing the agenda of populist parties elsewhere."I even think (the LDP) should have lost more," 25-year-old Kazuyo Nanasawa, who voted for a small ultra-conservative party, told AFP, adding that Ishiba should quit.The debacle comes only months after Ishiba's coalition was forced into a minority government in the more powerful lower house, in the LDP's worst result in 15 years.But asked late Sunday if he intended to remain in office, Ishiba told local media: "That's right.""The deadline of (US) tariffs is coming on August 1. Until then we have to do our best with our body and soul," he said.If Ishiba does go, it was unclear who might step up to replace him now that the government needs opposition support in both chambers to pass legislation.LDP supporter Takeshi Nemoto, 80, told AFP that a new leadership contest "would be a losing battle" for the party, further complicating tariff talks with US President Donald Trump's administration."Diplomacy is under pressure at the moment," agreed Shuhei Aono, 67. "Who is going to take care of it? I think (Ishiba) cannot easily withdraw."<h2>‘Japanese first’</h2>The election saw 125 seats in the 248-seat upper house contested.The coalition needed 50 of those but local media reported they only won 47, with the LDP winning 39 and Komeito eight, giving them 122 deputies.Second-placed was the Constitutional Democratic Party of&nbsp;Japan (CDP), which won 22 contested seats, followed by the Democratic Party For the People (DPP) with 17.The right-wing Sanseito party won 14 seats.Sanseito wants "stricter rules and limits" on immigration, opposes "radical" gender policies, and wants a rethink on decarbonisation and vaccines.It was forced last week to deny any links to Moscow -- which has backed populist parties elsewhere -- after a candidate was interviewed by Russian state media.The opposition is fragmented, and chances are slim that the parties can form an alternative government, Hidehiro Yamamoto, politics and sociology professor at the University of Tsukuba, told AFP.Expanding the coalition would be difficult, with the DPP the most likely partner "on the condition that (the government) delivers some of the positive fiscal measures, such as tax cuts," he said.More likely is that Ishiba will continue needing opposition support on a case-by-case basis to pass legislation.In return the opposition could press for consumption tax to be cut or abolished, something which Ishiba has opposed in view of Japan's colossal national debts of over 200 percent of gross domestic product.<h2>Trump tariffs</h2>After years of stagnant or falling prices, consumers in the world's fourth-largest economy have been squeezed by inflation since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.In particular, the price of rice has doubled, squeezing many household budgets despite government handouts.Not helping is lingering resentment about an LDP funding scandal, and US tariffs of 25 percent due to bite from August 1 if there is no trade deal with the United States.Japanese imports are already subject to a 10 percent tariff, while the auto industry, which accounts for eight percent of jobs, is reeling from a 25 percent levy.Despite Ishiba securing an early meeting with Trump in February, there has been no trade accord. On Monday tariffs envoy Ryosei Akazawa left on his eighth visit to Washington."There's no impact from the election result (on the negotiations)," Akazawa told reporters at Tokyo's Haneda airport, saying that Japan's national interest remained the "top priority."Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which made strong gains with its "anti-globalist" drive echoing the agenda of populist parties elsewhere.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was clinging on Monday even after his coalition disastrously lost its upper house majority, as painful new US tariffs loom. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost continuously since 1955, and its partner Komeito had to win 50 seats in Sunday's election but they fell three short, national broadcaster NHK reported. Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which made strong gains with its "anti-globalist" drive echoing the agenda of populist parties elsewhere. "I even think (the LDP) should have lost more," 25-year-old Kazuyo Nanasawa, who voted for a small ultra-conservative party, told AFP, adding that Ishiba should quit. The debacle comes only months after Ishiba's coalition was forced into a minority government in the more powerful lower house, in the LDP's worst result in 15 years. But asked late Sunday if he intended to remain in office, Ishiba told local media: "That's right." "The deadline of (US) tariffs is coming on August 1. Until then we have to do our best with our body and soul," he said. If Ishiba does go, it was unclear who might step up to replace him now that the government needs opposition support in both chambers to pass legislation. LDP supporter Takeshi Nemoto, 80, told AFP that a new leadership contest "would be a losing battle" for the party, further complicating tariff talks with US President Donald Trump's administration. "Diplomacy is under pressure at the moment," agreed Shuhei Aono, 67. "Who is going to take care of it? I think (Ishiba) cannot easily withdraw." ‘Japanese first’ The election saw 125 seats in the 248-seat upper house contested. The coalition needed 50 of those but local media reported they only won 47, with the LDP winning 39 and Komeito eight, giving them 122 deputies. Second-placed was the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), which won 22 contested seats, followed by the Democratic Party For the People (DPP) with 17. The right-wing Sanseito party won 14 seats. Sanseito wants "stricter rules and limits" on immigration, opposes "radical" gender policies, and wants a rethink on decarbonisation and vaccines. It was forced last week to deny any links to Moscow -- which has backed populist parties elsewhere -- after a candidate was interviewed by Russian state media. The opposition is fragmented, and chances are slim that the parties can form an alternative government, Hidehiro Yamamoto, politics and sociology professor at the University of Tsukuba, told AFP. Expanding the coalition would be difficult, with the DPP the most likely partner "on the condition that (the government) delivers some of the positive fiscal measures, such as tax cuts," he said. More likely is that Ishiba will continue needing opposition support on a case-by-case basis to pass legislation. In return the opposition could press for consumption tax to be cut or abolished, something which Ishiba has opposed in view of Japan's colossal national debts of over 200 percent of gross domestic product. Trump tariffs After years of stagnant or falling prices, consumers in the world's fourth-largest economy have been squeezed by inflation since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In particular, the price of rice has doubled, squeezing many household budgets despite government handouts. Not helping is lingering resentment about an LDP funding scandal, and US tariffs of 25 percent due to bite from August 1 if there is no trade deal with the United States. Japanese imports are already subject to a 10 percent tariff, while the auto industry, which accounts for eight percent of jobs, is reeling from a 25 percent levy. Despite Ishiba securing an early meeting with Trump in February, there has been no trade accord. On Monday tariffs envoy Ryosei Akazawa left on his eighth visit to Washington. "There's no impact from the election result (on the negotiations)," Akazawa told reporters at Tokyo's Haneda airport, saying that Japan's national interest remained the "top priority." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which made strong gains with its "anti-globalist" drive echoing the agenda of populist parties elsewhere.

Japan PM Ishiba loses upper house majority ahead of August 1 Trump tariff deadline

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's coalition lost its upper house majority in elections on Sunday, local media projected, in a debacle that could end his short premiership.&nbsp;Ishiba's governing coalition was already humiliatingly forced into a minority government after lower house elections in October, shortly after he became prime minister and called the snap vote.&nbsp;Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito won around 41 of the 125 upper house seats contested on Sunday, short of the 50 needed to retain a majority, Nippon TV and TBS projected, based on exit polls.&nbsp;National broadcaster NHK projected that the LDP could win anything between 27 and 41 seats and Komeito between five and 12, making retaining a majority "difficult".&nbsp;The right-wing populist party Sanseito was meanwhile projected to have made strong gains, winning between 10 and 22 seats, adding to the two it already holds in the 248-seat chamber.&nbsp;Ishiba, 68, a self-avowed policy "geek" seen as a safe pair of hands when he won the LDP leadership in September, was tight-lipped late Sunday about his future.&nbsp;"It's a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously," Ishiba told broadcaster NHK. Asked about his future, he said only that he "cannot speak lightly of it".&nbsp;"We can't do anything until we see the final results, but we want to be very aware of our responsibility," Ishiba added.&nbsp;"Ishiba may be replaced by someone else, but it's not clear who will be the successor," Hidehiro Yamamoto, politics and sociology professor at the University of Tsukuba, told AFP.&nbsp;Ishiba's centre-right LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, albeit with frequent changes of leader.&nbsp;Ishiba took over in September on his fifth attempt and immediately called elections.&nbsp;But this backfired and the vote left the LDP and its small coalition partner Komeito needing support from opposition parties, stymying its legislative agenda.&nbsp;<h2>Trumped</h2>&nbsp;Many voters are angry about rising prices and falling living standards.At one Tokyo polling station on Sunday, 54-year-old voter Atsushi Matsuura told AFP: "Commodity prices are going up, but I am more worried that salaries aren't increasing."&nbsp;Not helping is lingering resentment about an LDP funding scandal, and US tariffs of 25 percent due to bite from August 1.&nbsp;Japanese imports are already subject to a 10-percent tariff, while the auto industry, which accounts for eight percent of jobs, is reeling from a 25-percent levy.&nbsp;Despite Ishiba securing an early meeting with US President Donald Trump in February, and sending his trade envoy to Washington seven times, there has been no trade accord.&nbsp;Trump poured cold water on the prospects of an agreement last week, saying Japan won't "open up their country".&nbsp;"We will not easily compromise," Ishiba said this month.&nbsp;<h2>‘Japanese first’</h2>&nbsp;The last time the LDP lost power was in 2009, when the now-defunct Democratic Party of Japan governed for a rocky three years.&nbsp;Today, the opposition is fragmented, and chances are slim that the parties can form an alternative government.&nbsp;The "Japanese-first" Sanseito wants "stricter rules and limits" on immigration, opposes "globalism" and "radical" gender policies, and wants a rethink on decarbonisation and vaccines.&nbsp;Last week, it was forced to deny any links to Moscow -- which has backed populist parties elsewhere -- after a candidate was interviewed by Russian state media.&nbsp;"They put into words what I had been thinking about but couldn't put into words for many years," one voter told AFP at a Sanseito rally.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The right-wing populist party Sanseito was meanwhile projected to have made strong gains, winning between 10 and 22 seats, adding to the two it already holds in the 248-seat chamber.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's coalition lost its upper house majority in elections on Sunday, local media projected, in a debacle that could end his short premiership. Ishiba's governing coalition was already humiliatingly forced into a minority government after lower house elections in October, shortly after he became prime minister and called the snap vote. Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito won around 41 of the 125 upper house seats contested on Sunday, short of the 50 needed to retain a majority, Nippon TV and TBS projected, based on exit polls. National broadcaster NHK projected that the LDP could win anything between 27 and 41 seats and Komeito between five and 12, making retaining a majority "difficult". The right-wing populist party Sanseito was meanwhile projected to have made strong gains, winning between 10 and 22 seats, adding to the two it already holds in the 248-seat chamber. Ishiba, 68, a self-avowed policy "geek" seen as a safe pair of hands when he won the LDP leadership in September, was tight-lipped late Sunday about his future. "It's a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously," Ishiba told broadcaster NHK. Asked about his future, he said only that he "cannot speak lightly of it". "We can't do anything until we see the final results, but we want to be very aware of our responsibility," Ishiba added. "Ishiba may be replaced by someone else, but it's not clear who will be the successor," Hidehiro Yamamoto, politics and sociology professor at the University of Tsukuba, told AFP. Ishiba's centre-right LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, albeit with frequent changes of leader. Ishiba took over in September on his fifth attempt and immediately called elections. But this backfired and the vote left the LDP and its small coalition partner Komeito needing support from opposition parties, stymying its legislative agenda. Trumped Many voters are angry about rising prices and falling living standards. At one Tokyo polling station on Sunday, 54-year-old voter Atsushi Matsuura told AFP: "Commodity prices are going up, but I am more worried that salaries aren't increasing." Not helping is lingering resentment about an LDP funding scandal, and US tariffs of 25 percent due to bite from August 1. Japanese imports are already subject to a 10-percent tariff, while the auto industry, which accounts for eight percent of jobs, is reeling from a 25-percent levy. Despite Ishiba securing an early meeting with US President Donald Trump in February, and sending his trade envoy to Washington seven times, there has been no trade accord. Trump poured cold water on the prospects of an agreement last week, saying Japan won't "open up their country". "We will not easily compromise," Ishiba said this month. ‘Japanese first’ The last time the LDP lost power was in 2009, when the now-defunct Democratic Party of Japan governed for a rocky three years. Today, the opposition is fragmented, and chances are slim that the parties can form an alternative government. The "Japanese-first" Sanseito wants "stricter rules and limits" on immigration, opposes "globalism" and "radical" gender policies, and wants a rethink on decarbonisation and vaccines. Last week, it was forced to deny any links to Moscow -- which has backed populist parties elsewhere -- after a candidate was interviewed by Russian state media. "They put into words what I had been thinking about but couldn't put into words for many years," one voter told AFP at a Sanseito rally. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The right-wing populist party Sanseito was meanwhile projected to have made strong gains, winning between 10 and 22 seats, adding to the two it already holds in the 248-seat chamber.

Japan’s ruling coalition set to lose upper house majority, exit polls suggest

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was on thin ice on Monday after his ruling coalition was projected to have lost its parliamentary majority in disastrous snap elections.

Ishiba, 67, called Sunday's vote days after taking office on October 1, but voters angry at a slush fund scandal punished his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

"We are receiving severe judgement," Ishiba, who the LDP chose as leader last month precisely because he was seen as popular among voters, told national broadcaster NHK after polls closed on Sunday.

The Japanese people "expressed their strong desire for the LDP to do some reflection and become a party that will act in line with the people's will," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:714,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1898}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-ruling-party-projected-to-lose-majority-for-first-time-since-2009-dealing-a-setback-to-pm-ishiba-771154">Japan’s ruling party projected to lose majority for first time since 2009, dealing a setback to PM Ishiba</a>

National broadcaster NHK and other media outlets reported that the LDP -- which has governed almost non-stop since 1955 -- had fallen short of an absolute majority on its own for the first time since 2009.

Even worse, the projections suggest that the previous coalition of the LDP and the smaller Komeito party had missed Ishiba's election goal of winning 233 seats in the 456-member lower house.

The LDP won 191 seats and Komeito 24, according to NHK tallies as of Monday morning.&nbsp;

Ahead of the election, local media had speculated that if this happened, Ishiba could potentially quit to take responsibility, becoming Japan's shortest-serving prime minister in the post-war period.

If he stays, the outcome means Ishiba will have to head a minority government or seek new coalition partners.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parliamentary-election-in-japan-underway-voters-to-decide-fate-of-ishibas-govt-771039">Parliamentary election in Japan underway, voters to decide fate of Ishiba's govt</a>

Footage from the LDP headquarters showed gloomy faces as projections based on exit polls indicated Ishiba's justice and agriculture ministers were likely to lose their seats.

"If we are unable to obtain a majority as a result of severe public judgement, we will ask as many people as possible to cooperate with us," the LDP's election chief Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters.

- Worst in 15 years - 
In Japan's last general election in 2021, the LDP won a majority in its own right, with 259 seats in parliament's powerful lower house. Komeito had 32.

If confirmed by official results, the LDP losing its majority will be the worst result since it lost power 15 years ago before being brought back in a 2012 landslide by late former premier Shinzo Abe.

Opinion polls before the election had suggested that in many districts LDP candidates were neck-and-neck with those from the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), the second-biggest in parliament, led by popular former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda.

The CDP appeared to have made considerable gains, with NHK indicating it had won 148 seats as of early Monday -- up from 96.

Ishiba had promised to not actively support LDP politicians caught up in the funding scandal that saw party members pocket money from fund-raising events and helped sink his predecessor Fumio Kishida.

But the opposition jumped on media reports that the party has provided 20 million yen ($132,000) each to district offices headed by these figures, who were still standing in the election.

"Voters chose which party would be the best fit to push for political reforms," Noda said late Sunday, adding that the "LDP-Komeito administration cannot continue".

The number of women lawmakers meanwhile reached a record high at 73, according to NHK.

Ishiba has pledged to revitalise depressed rural regions and to address the "quiet emergency" of Japan's declining population through family-friendly measures such as flexible working hours.

But he rowed back his position on issues including allowing married couples to take separate surnames. He also named only two women as ministers in his cabinet.

He has backed the creation of a regional military alliance along the lines of NATO to counter China, although he has cautioned it would "not happen overnight".

Masato Kamikubo, a political scientist at Ritsumeikan University, told AFP before the election that Noda's stance "is sort of similar to the LDP's".

"He is basically a conservative. The CDP or Noda can be an alternative to the LDP. Many voters think so," he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was on thin ice on Monday after his ruling coalition was projected to have lost its parliamentary majority in disastrous snap elections.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was on thin ice on Monday after his ruling coalition was projected to have lost its parliamentary majority in disastrous snap elections. Ishiba, 67, called Sunday's vote days after taking office on October 1, but voters angry at a slush fund scandal punished his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). "We are receiving severe judgement," Ishiba, who the LDP chose as leader last month precisely because he was seen as popular among voters, told national broadcaster NHK after polls closed on Sunday. The Japanese people "expressed their strong desire for the LDP to do some reflection and become a party that will act in line with the people's will," he said. Also read | Japan’s ruling party projected to lose majority for first time since 2009, dealing a setback to PM Ishiba National broadcaster NHK and other media outlets reported that the LDP -- which has governed almost non-stop since 1955 -- had fallen short of an absolute majority on its own for the first time since 2009. Even worse, the projections suggest that the previous coalition of the LDP and the smaller Komeito party had missed Ishiba's election goal of winning 233 seats in the 456-member lower house. The LDP won 191 seats and Komeito 24, according to NHK tallies as of Monday morning. Ahead of the election, local media had speculated that if this happened, Ishiba could potentially quit to take responsibility, becoming Japan's shortest-serving prime minister in the post-war period. If he stays, the outcome means Ishiba will have to head a minority government or seek new coalition partners. Also read | Parliamentary election in Japan underway, voters to decide fate of Ishiba's govt Footage from the LDP headquarters showed gloomy faces as projections based on exit polls indicated Ishiba's justice and agriculture ministers were likely to lose their seats. "If we are unable to obtain a majority as a result of severe public judgement, we will ask as many people as possible to cooperate with us," the LDP's election chief Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters. - Worst in 15 years - In Japan's last general election in 2021, the LDP won a majority in its own right, with 259 seats in parliament's powerful lower house. Komeito had 32. If confirmed by official results, the LDP losing its majority will be the worst result since it lost power 15 years ago before being brought back in a 2012 landslide by late former premier Shinzo Abe. Opinion polls before the election had suggested that in many districts LDP candidates were neck-and-neck with those from the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), the second-biggest in parliament, led by popular former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda. The CDP appeared to have made considerable gains, with NHK indicating it had won 148 seats as of early Monday -- up from 96. Ishiba had promised to not actively support LDP politicians caught up in the funding scandal that saw party members pocket money from fund-raising events and helped sink his predecessor Fumio Kishida. But the opposition jumped on media reports that the party has provided 20 million yen ($132,000) each to district offices headed by these figures, who were still standing in the election. "Voters chose which party would be the best fit to push for political reforms," Noda said late Sunday, adding that the "LDP-Komeito administration cannot continue". The number of women lawmakers meanwhile reached a record high at 73, according to NHK. Ishiba has pledged to revitalise depressed rural regions and to address the "quiet emergency" of Japan's declining population through family-friendly measures such as flexible working hours. But he rowed back his position on issues including allowing married couples to take separate surnames. He also named only two women as ministers in his cabinet. He has backed the creation of a regional military alliance along the lines of NATO to counter China, although he has cautioned it would "not happen overnight". Masato Kamikubo, a political scientist at Ritsumeikan University, told AFP before the election that Noda's stance "is sort of similar to the LDP's". "He is basically a conservative. The CDP or Noda can be an alternative to the LDP. Many voters think so," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan PM Ishiba loses majority in snap election: 'We are receiving severe judgement'

As Japan braces for elections reports are claiming that the ruling liberal Democratic party has financially backed contestants involved in a scandal. Watch to know more.

Japan General Elections 2024: LDP- Funded Candidates In Scam

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">What is Ishiba's public rating?</h2>

Ishiba's current public support, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) stands at just 28 per cent, according to a recent Jiji Press poll. This marks the lowest initial approval for a new Japanese leader since 2000. Even though this is slightly better than former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's 18.7 per cent before he exited the leadership race in September, it still fails to reach the critical 30 per cent threshold, which analysts consider a "danger zone" for political leaders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjsqsypt5yJAxX2yjgGHTyLEfAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crunch-of-successors-in-royal-family-called-out-in-japan-parliament-pm-asks-for-debate-764445" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/crunch-of-successors-in-royal-family-called-out-in-japan-parliament-pm-asks-for-debate-764445&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsqsypt5yJAxX2yjgGHTyLEfAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Crunch of successors in royal family called out in Japan parliament, PM asks for debate</a>

Kishida started his term with over 40 per cent support, while his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, began with 51.2 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:285,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1971}">What does this mean for the Japanese PM?</h2>

Political analyst Stephen Nagy anticipates that the LDP could lose its absolute majority, but may remain in power with the help of its junior coalition partner, Komeito.

"I expect the LDP to lose its absolute majority but probably remain in power with Komeito, which will in return be able to promote some of its more family-friendly social policies," said Nagy, a politics professor at Tokyo's International Christian University as quoted by SCMP.

He said that a complete loss of power is also "possible", though unlikely, given the disarray among opposition parties, which have struggled to unite behind strong candidates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:504,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2182}" data-ved="2ahUKEwiVjqW7t5yJAxW64zgGHVsKEqYQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-is-giving-away-free-flight-tickets-but-there-is-a-catch-are-you-eligible-766805" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-is-giving-away-free-flight-tickets-but-there-is-a-catch-are-you-eligible-766805&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiVjqW7t5yJAxW64zgGHVsKEqYQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Japan is giving away free flight tickets, but there is a catch. Are you eligible?</a>

Ishiba was chosen as party leader due to his clean image amid several scandals that have plagued the LDP. However, he has struggled to distance himself from these issues.

Currently, the LDP holds 247 seats in the 465-member chamber, allowing for a comfortable majority without Komeito's 32 seats. However, retaining the necessary 233 seats to maintain that majority is increasingly doubtful given the low approval ratings.&nbsp;

A Yomiuri newspaper survey suggests that among 266 candidates in single-seat districts, only 100 appear secure, while about 120 races remain too close to call, and another 40 candidates face significant opposition.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). What is Ishiba's public rating? Ishiba's current public support, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) stands at just 28 per cent, according to a recent Jiji Press poll. This marks the lowest initial approval for a new Japanese leader since 2000. Even though this is slightly better than former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's 18.7 per cent before he exited the leadership race in September, it still fails to reach the critical 30 per cent threshold, which analysts consider a "danger zone" for political leaders. Also read | Crunch of successors in royal family called out in Japan parliament, PM asks for debate Kishida started his term with over 40 per cent support, while his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, began with 51.2 per cent. What does this mean for the Japanese PM? Political analyst Stephen Nagy anticipates that the LDP could lose its absolute majority, but may remain in power with the help of its junior coalition partner, Komeito. "I expect the LDP to lose its absolute majority but probably remain in power with Komeito, which will in return be able to promote some of its more family-friendly social policies," said Nagy, a politics professor at Tokyo's International Christian University as quoted by SCMP. He said that a complete loss of power is also "possible", though unlikely, given the disarray among opposition parties, which have struggled to unite behind strong candidates. Also read | Japan is giving away free flight tickets, but there is a catch. Are you eligible? Ishiba was chosen as party leader due to his clean image amid several scandals that have plagued the LDP. However, he has struggled to distance himself from these issues. Currently, the LDP holds 247 seats in the 465-member chamber, allowing for a comfortable majority without Komeito's 32 seats. However, retaining the necessary 233 seats to maintain that majority is increasingly doubtful given the low approval ratings. A Yomiuri newspaper survey suggests that among 266 candidates in single-seat districts, only 100 appear secure, while about 120 races remain too close to call, and another 40 candidates face significant opposition. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's new PM Ishiba struggles with historically low approval ratings as election nears

Official campaigning for the October 27 general election began in Japan on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seeks a new mandate and to rebuild public trust in politics, which has been harmed by a slush funds scandal engulfing his ruling party.

Japan Election Campaigns Kick Off For October 27 Voting

Japan Elections: Japan's Official Campaign Phase Begins From Today

In two years from now, Japan will host its general elections, however, polls suggests that things do not seem to be looking up for the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Over the weekend, the support for PM Kishida's cabinet fell in three polls.

Japan: Fumio Kishida's support declines in polls; Will PM dissolve House of Representatives?

Mourners streamed into a temple in Tokyo to pay their respects to Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe on Monday, as his assassination overshadowed an election win for the ruling party he had dominated.

Japan: Mourners throng Shinzo Abe's wake as his party secures election win

From unrest in Sri Lanka to raging wildfires in Portugal, here are some impactful images from around the world.

World in Pictures: Unrest in Sri Lanka; raging wildfires in Portugal

Just two days after Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister, was assassinated while campaigning in Japan, voters cast their ballots in an upper house election on Sunday. The killing has cast a shadow over the election, which is anticipated to strengthen the majority held by Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. However, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, political parties and lawmakers have said that the shocking murder would not halt the democratic process.&nbsp;Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito have a sizable majority in parliament.&nbsp;The election on Sunday is anticipated to solidify that grasp on power, putting LDP's Kishida in a better position to enter a "golden three years" during which he won't have to face any more elections.

Watch |&nbsp;Shinzo Abe assassinated: Japan's longest-serving &amp; youngest post-war PM

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shinzo-abe-assassinated-japans-longest-serving-youngest-post-war-pm-496003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We must never allow violence to suppress speech during elections, which are the foundation of democracy," said Kishida.

When Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old who is currently in police custody, opened fire, Shinzo Abe was out in Nara's western district supporting a candidate from his governing LDP. On Saturday, local police there acknowledged "problems" with the security measures employed for a high-profile figure like Abe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/huge-price-paid-for-being-in-public-eye-abe-gaddafi-bhutto-more-politicians-assassinated-in-21st-century-495794" hreflang="en">Huge price paid for being in public eye: Abe, Gadhafi, Bhutto &amp; more, politicians assassinated in 21st century</a>

"I believe it is undeniable that there were problems with the guarding and safety measures for former prime minister Abe," police chief Tomoaki Onizuka told media on Saturday.

"In all the years since I became a police officer in 1995... there is no greater remorse, no bigger regret than this," the tearful police chief added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-refuses-to-bow-down-to-violence-election-campaign-to-resume-today-495727" hreflang="en">As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today</a>

Even as Kishida looks forward to the&nbsp;"golden three years" he&nbsp;will have to&nbsp;grapple with serious policy challenges, such as rising costs and energy shortages, particularly in the wake of the early summer heatwave that caused a power shortfall.

Polls close at 8:00 pm local time&nbsp;(1100 GMT), and results are anticipated from Japanese media shortly thereafter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Just two days after Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister, was assassinated while campaigning in Japan, voters cast their ballots in an upper house election on Sunday.

Just two days after Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister, was assassinated while campaigning in Japan, voters cast their ballots in an upper house election on Sunday. The killing has cast a shadow over the election, which is anticipated to strengthen the majority held by Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. However, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, political parties and lawmakers have said that the shocking murder would not halt the democratic process. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito have a sizable majority in parliament. The election on Sunday is anticipated to solidify that grasp on power, putting LDP's Kishida in a better position to enter a "golden three years" during which he won't have to face any more elections. Watch | Shinzo Abe assassinated: Japan's longest-serving & youngest post-war PM "We must never allow violence to suppress speech during elections, which are the foundation of democracy," said Kishida. When Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old who is currently in police custody, opened fire, Shinzo Abe was out in Nara's western district supporting a candidate from his governing LDP. On Saturday, local police there acknowledged "problems" with the security measures employed for a high-profile figure like Abe. Also read | Huge price paid for being in public eye: Abe, Gadhafi, Bhutto & more, politicians assassinated in 21st century "I believe it is undeniable that there were problems with the guarding and safety measures for former prime minister Abe," police chief Tomoaki Onizuka told media on Saturday. "In all the years since I became a police officer in 1995... there is no greater remorse, no bigger regret than this," the tearful police chief added. Also read | As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today Even as Kishida looks forward to the "golden three years" he will have to grapple with serious policy challenges, such as rising costs and energy shortages, particularly in the wake of the early summer heatwave that caused a power shortfall. Polls close at 8:00 pm local time (1100 GMT), and results are anticipated from Japanese media shortly thereafter. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shinzo Abe assassination shadows polls, but Japan will 'not halt the democratic process'

China's President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences on Saturday over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Xi said had worked hard to improve relations between the neighbours, Chinese state media reported.

Japan's longest-serving modern leader was gunned down on Friday in the Japanese city of Nara while making a campaign speech for a parliamentary election. A 41-year-old Japanese male suspect has been arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shinzo-abe-a-look-at-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister-495470">Shinzo Abe assassinated: A look at Japan's longest serving prime minister's career</a>

"I deeply regret his sudden death," state media quoted Xi as saying on behalf of the Chinese government and people in a message to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

"I once reached important consensus with him on building China-Japan relations."

Xi also extended his condolences to Abe's family, state television reported.

Ties between Japan and China have been plagued for years by a territorial dispute over a group of tiny East China Sea islets as well as the legacy of Japan's past military aggression.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-refuses-to-bow-down-to-violence-election-campaign-to-resume-today-495727">As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today</a>

But relations warmed while Abe's was prime minister, particularly during his second term from 2012 to 2020.

Abe made a rare state visit to China in 2018 and, in return, Xi was expected to visit Japan in 2020, which would have marked the first trip by a Chinese president to Japan since 2008.

But the plan was shelved because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bilateral ties have become more complex in recent months, with Kishida's government calling for increased defence spending and expressing concern over threats faced by self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Watch |&nbsp;A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-lookback-at-japan-ex-pm-shinzo-abes-life-495701/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Kishida has also said he was disappointed by efforts by China to develop areas in the East China Sea, saying it was "unacceptable".

The dispute over the East China Sea islands, which Japan controls but China also claims, and the waters around them, has been a longtime source of tension between the world's second- and third-biggest economies.

In his message to Kishida, Xi said he was willing to work with him on developing friendly and neighbourly ties.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

China's President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences on Saturday over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Xi said had worked hard to improve relations between the neighbours, Chinese state media reported.

China's President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences on Saturday over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Xi said had worked hard to improve relations between the neighbours, Chinese state media reported. Japan's longest-serving modern leader was gunned down on Friday in the Japanese city of Nara while making a campaign speech for a parliamentary election. A 41-year-old Japanese male suspect has been arrested. Also read | Shinzo Abe assassinated: A look at Japan's longest serving prime minister's career "I deeply regret his sudden death," state media quoted Xi as saying on behalf of the Chinese government and people in a message to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. "I once reached important consensus with him on building China-Japan relations." Xi also extended his condolences to Abe's family, state television reported. Ties between Japan and China have been plagued for years by a territorial dispute over a group of tiny East China Sea islets as well as the legacy of Japan's past military aggression. Also read | As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today But relations warmed while Abe's was prime minister, particularly during his second term from 2012 to 2020. Abe made a rare state visit to China in 2018 and, in return, Xi was expected to visit Japan in 2020, which would have marked the first trip by a Chinese president to Japan since 2008. But the plan was shelved because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Bilateral ties have become more complex in recent months, with Kishida's government calling for increased defence spending and expressing concern over threats faced by self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Watch | A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life Kishida has also said he was disappointed by efforts by China to develop areas in the East China Sea, saying it was "unacceptable". The dispute over the East China Sea islands, which Japan controls but China also claims, and the waters around them, has been a longtime source of tension between the world's second- and third-biggest economies. In his message to Kishida, Xi said he was willing to work with him on developing friendly and neighbourly ties. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's Xi 'deeply regrets' death of Japan's Shinzo Abe

A day after Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated by a gunman in the western city of Nara, campaigning for the approaching elections is set to resume on Saturday (July 9th), the final day of campaigning before voting on Sunday (July 10th). From the western Japanese city where he was shot, a hearse transporting the remains of the slain former prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Saturday. Even as police sought to determine the motivation and method of Abe's assassination, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and other parties announced they would resume their campaigns for the upper house of parliament on Saturday.&nbsp;Officials claimed that Abe, who was shot while campaigning for his country's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had not received any threats.

Watch |&nbsp;A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-lookback-at-japan-ex-pm-shinzo-abes-life-495701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many parties have decided to&nbsp;refrain from sending out top figures to speak on the last day of campaigning, but it will still take place to show the country's refusal to submit to violence, reports NHK.

Shinzo Abe's party and its coalition partner Komeito are anticipated to solidify their parliamentary majorities, in Sunday's election. Polling conducted prior to the killing indicated that the LDP, where Abe still had a significant amount of influence, was gaining seats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shinzo-abe-a-look-at-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister-495470">Shinzo Abe assassinated: A look at Japan's longest-serving prime minister's career</a>

However, James Brady, vice president of the advisory firm Teneo, in a note predicted&nbsp;that the&nbsp;"wave of sympathy votes now could boost the margin of victory."&nbsp;

Given the nation's low rates of violent crime and strong gun laws, the assassination of Japan's most well-known politician has very understandably shook the nation and sent shockwaves around the globe.

In the country, politicians frequently make direct pleas to voters outside of railway stations and supermarkets during election season. The assassination has raised concerns about the security measures for public figures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A day after Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated by a gunman in the western city of Nara, campaigning for the approaching elections is set to resume on Saturday (July 9th), the final day of campaigning before voting on Sunday (July 10th).

A day after Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated by a gunman in the western city of Nara, campaigning for the approaching elections is set to resume on Saturday (July 9th), the final day of campaigning before voting on Sunday (July 10th). From the western Japanese city where he was shot, a hearse transporting the remains of the slain former prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Saturday. Even as police sought to determine the motivation and method of Abe's assassination, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and other parties announced they would resume their campaigns for the upper house of parliament on Saturday. Officials claimed that Abe, who was shot while campaigning for his country's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had not received any threats. Watch | A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life Many parties have decided to refrain from sending out top figures to speak on the last day of campaigning, but it will still take place to show the country's refusal to submit to violence, reports NHK. Shinzo Abe's party and its coalition partner Komeito are anticipated to solidify their parliamentary majorities, in Sunday's election. Polling conducted prior to the killing indicated that the LDP, where Abe still had a significant amount of influence, was gaining seats. Also read | Shinzo Abe assassinated: A look at Japan's longest-serving prime minister's career However, James Brady, vice president of the advisory firm Teneo, in a note predicted that the "wave of sympathy votes now could boost the margin of victory." Given the nation's low rates of violent crime and strong gun laws, the assassination of Japan's most well-known politician has very understandably shook the nation and sent shockwaves around the globe. In the country, politicians frequently make direct pleas to voters outside of railway stations and supermarkets during election season. The assassination has raised concerns about the security measures for public figures. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today

The Japanese media on Saturday reported that the man who fatally shot former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has admitted to authorities that his original intent was to assassinate a figurehead of a religious organisation. According to Kyodo News, which cited the police, Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, claimed he had a vendetta against a "particular organisation" that he thought was associated with Shinzo Abe. This organisation may have been a religious organisation. The story did not name the religious figurehead.

According to local media citing police sources, Yamagami told police he thought Abe was associated with a religious organisation which he held responsible for wrecking his mother's finances and severing the family. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shinzo-abes-killer-who-is-he-and-why-did-he-target-the-beloved-ex-prime-minister-495805">Also read | Shinzo Abe's killer: Who is he and why did he target the beloved ex-Prime Minister?</a>

"He (Yamagami) confessed that he had some resentment against a certain organisation and was under the impression that the former prime minister having some connection to it, which led to the act. I would like to avoid further details," &nbsp;Kazuhisa Yamamura, the Head of the First Investigation Division, Nara Prefecture Police, told a news conference.

Watch |&nbsp;A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-lookback-at-japan-ex-pm-shinzo-abes-life-495701/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Yamagami shot at Abe on a street on Friday when he was giving a speech at a rally and opened fire from behind. This attack shocked a country with some of the strongest gun control laws in the world.

When police searched Yamagami's neighbouring one-room apartment, they found comparable weapons and his personal computer. Yamagami was claimed to have used an obviously handmade gun that was around 40 centimetres long. An investigation into the shooting has been started by a task group with 90 members.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-refuses-to-bow-down-to-violence-election-campaign-to-resume-today-495727">As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today</a>

At the Kure base in Hiroshima Prefecture in 2005, Tetsuya Yamagami worked as a Maritime Self-Defense officer.

He worked at a manufacturing firm in the Kansai area in 2020, but he informed the employer that he wanted to leave because he was "weary" in April of this year. He departed the position the following month.

On the last day of campaigning before voting for the upper house of parliament, which is anticipated to give the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, an Abe protege, a victory, campaigning resumed.

After making an urgent trip back to Tokyo on Friday in the wake of the shooting, Kishida has now resumed his campaign tour, stopping in at local voting centres.

On Saturday, a steady stream of mourners travelled to the murder site in Nara. At a table with a picture of Abe giving a speech, there was a line of more than 100 people waiting to place flowers at noon, and more kept coming.

According to the Japanese media, a vigil will be held on Monday, and close friends will attend Abe's funeral on Tuesday. There was no immediate notification of a memorial service for the public. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Japanese media on Saturday reported that the man who fatally shot former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has admitted to authorities that his original intent was to assassinate a figurehead of a religious organisation.

The Japanese media on Saturday reported that the man who fatally shot former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has admitted to authorities that his original intent was to assassinate a figurehead of a religious organisation. According to Kyodo News, which cited the police, Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, claimed he had a vendetta against a "particular organisation" that he thought was associated with Shinzo Abe. This organisation may have been a religious organisation. The story did not name the religious figurehead. According to local media citing police sources, Yamagami told police he thought Abe was associated with a religious organisation which he held responsible for wrecking his mother's finances and severing the family. Also read | Shinzo Abe's killer: Who is he and why did he target the beloved ex-Prime Minister? "He (Yamagami) confessed that he had some resentment against a certain organisation and was under the impression that the former prime minister having some connection to it, which led to the act. I would like to avoid further details," Kazuhisa Yamamura, the Head of the First Investigation Division, Nara Prefecture Police, told a news conference. Watch | A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life Yamagami shot at Abe on a street on Friday when he was giving a speech at a rally and opened fire from behind. This attack shocked a country with some of the strongest gun control laws in the world. When police searched Yamagami's neighbouring one-room apartment, they found comparable weapons and his personal computer. Yamagami was claimed to have used an obviously handmade gun that was around 40 centimetres long. An investigation into the shooting has been started by a task group with 90 members. Also read | As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today At the Kure base in Hiroshima Prefecture in 2005, Tetsuya Yamagami worked as a Maritime Self-Defense officer. He worked at a manufacturing firm in the Kansai area in 2020, but he informed the employer that he wanted to leave because he was "weary" in April of this year. He departed the position the following month. On the last day of campaigning before voting for the upper house of parliament, which is anticipated to give the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, an Abe protege, a victory, campaigning resumed. After making an urgent trip back to Tokyo on Friday in the wake of the shooting, Kishida has now resumed his campaign tour, stopping in at local voting centres. On Saturday, a steady stream of mourners travelled to the murder site in Nara. At a table with a picture of Abe giving a speech, there was a line of more than 100 people waiting to place flowers at noon, and more kept coming. According to the Japanese media, a vigil will be held on Monday, and close friends will attend Abe's funeral on Tuesday. There was no immediate notification of a memorial service for the public. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shinzo Abe’s killing: Tetsuya Yamagami initially planned to attack religious leader, say Police

Shinzo Abe's suspected killer has acknowledged targeting the politician and claimed he had a grudge against a group he believed Abe was affiliated with. This is according to police reports released on Friday. Senior police officers as per an AFP report have named the suspect as an unemployed 41-year-old man named Tetsuya Yamagami, who was detained at the scene of the murder. The former Japanese Prime Minister was assassinated while delivering a speech as he campaigned for the upcoming elections on behalf of the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) in the western region of Nara.&nbsp;Japan has strong gun restrictions that make getting a handgun very difficult, which could be the reason that the killer chose to use a "handmade" weapon.

Watch |&nbsp;A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-lookback-at-japan-ex-pm-shinzo-abes-life-495701/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"That's the suspect's assertion, and we have determined that (the gun) is clearly handmade in appearance, although our analysis is currently ongoing," an officer told reporters.

A photo of Yamagami at the site shows him holding a sizable, boxy, black device with what seems to be two barrels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-refuses-to-bow-down-to-violence-election-campaign-to-resume-today-495727">As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today</a>

Police refused to provide information about the "specific organisation" the suspect referenced, citing an ongoing investigation. However, some Japanese media sites identified it as a religious organisation.

After 5 o'clock, officers started searching the suspect's residence and seized "several handmade gun-like items."

The suspect, who spoke to police in a "matter-of-fact" manner, claimed to have been in the Japanese navy's Maritime Self-Defense Force for three years, starting in 2002, although these specifics are still being looked into.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shinzo-abe-a-look-at-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister-495470">Shinzo Abe assassinated: A look at Japan's longest serving prime minister's career</a>

After being apprehended, he allegedly informed police that he "was frustrated with the former prime minister and targeted Abe with the intention of killing him," according to NHK.&nbsp;

The officers claimed that Yamagami also admitted to them that he had read about Abe's visit online.&nbsp;They further stated that they were investigating any security vulnerabilities at the campaign event where the incident occurred on Friday morning.

"We will take appropriate measures if problems were discovered."

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Shinzo Abe's suspected killer has acknowledged targeting the politician and claimed he had a grudge against a group he believed Abe was affiliated with. This is according to police reports released on Friday.

Shinzo Abe's suspected killer has acknowledged targeting the politician and claimed he had a grudge against a group he believed Abe was affiliated with. This is according to police reports released on Friday. Senior police officers as per an AFP report have named the suspect as an unemployed 41-year-old man named Tetsuya Yamagami, who was detained at the scene of the murder. The former Japanese Prime Minister was assassinated while delivering a speech as he campaigned for the upcoming elections on behalf of the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) in the western region of Nara. Japan has strong gun restrictions that make getting a handgun very difficult, which could be the reason that the killer chose to use a "handmade" weapon. Watch | A lookback at Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe's life "That's the suspect's assertion, and we have determined that (the gun) is clearly handmade in appearance, although our analysis is currently ongoing," an officer told reporters. A photo of Yamagami at the site shows him holding a sizable, boxy, black device with what seems to be two barrels. Also read | As Abe's remains reach Tokyo, Japan refuses to bow down to violence; Election campaign to resume today Police refused to provide information about the "specific organisation" the suspect referenced, citing an ongoing investigation. However, some Japanese media sites identified it as a religious organisation. After 5 o'clock, officers started searching the suspect's residence and seized "several handmade gun-like items." The suspect, who spoke to police in a "matter-of-fact" manner, claimed to have been in the Japanese navy's Maritime Self-Defense Force for three years, starting in 2002, although these specifics are still being looked into. Also read | Shinzo Abe assassinated: A look at Japan's longest serving prime minister's career After being apprehended, he allegedly informed police that he "was frustrated with the former prime minister and targeted Abe with the intention of killing him," according to NHK. The officers claimed that Yamagami also admitted to them that he had read about Abe's visit online. They further stated that they were investigating any security vulnerabilities at the campaign event where the incident occurred on Friday morning. "We will take appropriate measures if problems were discovered." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shinzo Abe's killer: Who is he and why did he target the beloved ex-Prime Minister?

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s ruling coalition retained a majority in parliamentary elections. The LDP has scored 261 seats, exceeding the parliamentary majority of 233 seats. With Komeito scoring 32 seats, it gives their coalition a total of 293 seats.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida declares victory for ruling LDP

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and led the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election.

Still, it looked to be the party’s worst result since it lost to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in 2009.

In anointing Kishida, 64, last month, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader.

The gamble most likely cost the party votes in tight races around the country. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats eked out a majority but lost seats that included some held by prominent party leaders.

While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends.

“His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.”

The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma.

Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.”

His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament.

Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign.

He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party.

“He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.”

Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father.

Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry.

He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice.

Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university.

He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years.

Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans.

When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories.

Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years.

One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election.

Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.”

He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments.

If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750.

When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face.

His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering.

A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular.

“He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington.

His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public.

As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego.

As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia. Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and led the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election. Still, it looked to be the party’s worst result since it lost to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in 2009. In anointing Kishida, 64, last month, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader. The gamble most likely cost the party votes in tight races around the country. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats eked out a majority but lost seats that included some held by prominent party leaders. While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends. “His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.” The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma. Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.” His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament. Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign. He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party. “He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.” Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father. Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry. He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice. Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university. He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years. Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans. When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories. Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years. One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election. Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.” He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments. If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750. When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face. His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering. A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular. “He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington. His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public. As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party. Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego. As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan’s election was closer than usual, even though party in power has hit snooze

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and is hoping to lead the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election.

In anointing Kishida, 64, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader.

While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends.

“His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.”

The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma.

But the gamble is likely to have consequences. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats are projected to lose seats and merely eke out a majority. Many voters are expected to stay home.

Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.”

His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament.

Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign.

He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party.

“He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, the head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.”

Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father.

Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry.

He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice.

Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university.

He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years.

Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans.

When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories.

Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years.

One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election.

Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.”

He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments.

If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750.

When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face.

His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering.

A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular.

“He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington.

His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public.

As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego.

As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia. Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and is hoping to lead the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election. In anointing Kishida, 64, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader. While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends. “His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.” The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma. But the gamble is likely to have consequences. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats are projected to lose seats and merely eke out a majority. Many voters are expected to stay home. Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.” His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament. Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign. He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party. “He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, the head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.” Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father. Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry. He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice. Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university. He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years. Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans. When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories. Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years. One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election. Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.” He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments. If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750. When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face. His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering. A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular. “He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington. His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public. As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party. Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego. As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan’s election looks closer than usual, but party in power has hit snooze

Japanese voters are casting ballots in national elections Sunday. This elections will determine whether Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will remain in office amid sluggish economic growth and lingering COVID concerns.

Japan Elections 2021: Voting starts, key test for Kishida

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the next Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve the parliament, hinting towards a possibility of snap election.

"There’s no change to my stance as chief cabinet minister that what the public wants from the government most is to focus on measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic,” Suga was quoted saying by local media.

”But the prime minister has the right to dissolve parliament (and call a snap election). If the next premier decides to call one, that should be the case. If not, it won’t happen,” he continued.

He also said he is hopeul about Tokyo Olympic Games, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a decline in japan's economy. Suga believes the Tokyo Olympics will bring various benefits for Japan in these difficult times.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-economy-sinks-deeper-businesses-delay-fresh-investments-325896/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Suga is contesting for upcoming elections to replace the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to his ill-health. There have been speculations of Suga pushing for a snap elections to tighten his grip on the post,&nbsp;especially since the&nbsp;opinion polls showed a jump in voter approval of Suga.

The elections for the post of&nbsp;Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against&nbsp;former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win.

&nbsp;

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the next Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve the parliament, hinting towards a possibility of snap election.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the next Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve the parliament, hinting towards a possibility of snap election. "There’s no change to my stance as chief cabinet minister that what the public wants from the government most is to focus on measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic,” Suga was quoted saying by local media. ”But the prime minister has the right to dissolve parliament (and call a snap election). If the next premier decides to call one, that should be the case. If not, it won’t happen,” he continued. He also said he is hopeul about Tokyo Olympic Games, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a decline in japan's economy. Suga believes the Tokyo Olympics will bring various benefits for Japan in these difficult times. × ”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.” Suga is contesting for upcoming elections to replace the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to his ill-health. There have been speculations of Suga pushing for a snap elections to tighten his grip on the post, especially since the opinion polls showed a jump in voter approval of Suga. The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win.

Japan's Suga hopeful about Tokyo Olympic Games amid falling economy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-offers-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-help-in-reducing-oil-dependency-231692">Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a>'s coalition is on track to win a solid majority in a July 21 upper house election, and his dream of revising the pacifist constitution could still be alive if enough allies also win, a survey showed on Saturday.

Abe's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are expected to win more than 63 seats, a majority of the 124 seats contested, the poll taken by the Kyodo news agency on Thursday and Friday showed. They could win as many as 77 seats, it said.

Other surveys, including those taken by the Asahi and Sankei newspapers, also showed Abe's coalition parties with a good chance of winning a majority of the seats up for re-election.

However, many voters are still undecided and the outcome could change.

Upper house elections are held every three years, with members' terms running for six years. The LDP won a landslide victory in 2013 but fared less well in 2016.

Reforms last year increased the number of seats in the upper house by three to 245.

Attention will also focus on whether the ruling bloc, along with the smaller Japan Innovation Party and independents, retains a two-thirds "super majority" needed to revise the post-war pacifist constitution, a long-held goal for Abe.

Abe is highlighting his call to revise the post-war constitution to further legitimise Japan's Self-Defense Forces, as its military is known.

Media reports said pro-revision forces needed to win 85 of the seats being contested to have a two-thirds majority.

A constitutional revision requires approval by two-thirds of both chambers of parliament and a majority in a public referendum.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's coalition is on track to win a solid majority in a July 21 upper house election, and his dream of revising the pacifist constitution could still be alive if enough allies also win, a survey showed on Saturday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's coalition is on track to win a solid majority in a July 21 upper house election, and his dream of revising the pacifist constitution could still be alive if enough allies also win, a survey showed on Saturday. Abe's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are expected to win more than 63 seats, a majority of the 124 seats contested, the poll taken by the Kyodo news agency on Thursday and Friday showed. They could win as many as 77 seats, it said. Other surveys, including those taken by the Asahi and Sankei newspapers, also showed Abe's coalition parties with a good chance of winning a majority of the seats up for re-election. However, many voters are still undecided and the outcome could change. Upper house elections are held every three years, with members' terms running for six years. The LDP won a landslide victory in 2013 but fared less well in 2016. Reforms last year increased the number of seats in the upper house by three to 245. Attention will also focus on whether the ruling bloc, along with the smaller Japan Innovation Party and independents, retains a two-thirds "super majority" needed to revise the post-war pacifist constitution, a long-held goal for Abe. Abe is highlighting his call to revise the post-war constitution to further legitimise Japan's Self-Defense Forces, as its military is known. Media reports said pro-revision forces needed to win 85 of the seats being contested to have a two-thirds majority. A constitutional revision requires approval by two-thirds of both chambers of parliament and a majority in a public referendum.

Japan PM Abe's coalition on track to win majority in July 21 election: Media

Japan&#39;s Shinzo Abe was re-elected prime minister on Wednesday after his ruling bloc&#39;s big election win last month and days ahead of a visit by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that is expected to be dominated by concerns over a volatile North Korea.

Abe, 63, took office in December 2012, promising to reboot the stale economy and bolster defence.

His Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition retained its two-thirds &#39;super majority&#39;&nbsp;in parliament&#39;s lower house in the Oct. 22 election, reenergising his push to revise the post-war, pacifist constitution.

Abe was expected to reappoint current cabinet ministers and tell them to compile an extra budget for the year to March 31, 2018 focusing on child care and boosting productivity.

In a telephone conversation on Monday, Abe and Trump agreed to work together on steps to counter Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear and missile development.

Trump told Abe &#39;He is looking forward to his visit to Japan, that Japan and America are 100 percent together and there is no room to doubt the Japan-U.S. alliance.&#39;&nbsp;Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters.

The two leaders have developed a close personal relationship since Trump was elected, and plan to play golf together during Trump&#39;s Nov. 5-7 visit to Japan. 
&nbsp;

Abe, 63, took office in December 2012, promising to reboot the stale economy and bolster defence.

Japan's Shinzo Abe was re-elected prime minister on Wednesday after his ruling bloc's big election win last month and days ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump that is expected to be dominated by concerns over a volatile North Korea. Abe, 63, took office in December 2012, promising to reboot the stale economy and bolster defence. His Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition retained its two-thirds 'super majority' in parliament's lower house in the Oct. 22 election, reenergising his push to revise the post-war, pacifist constitution. Abe was expected to reappoint current cabinet ministers and tell them to compile an extra budget for the year to March 31, 2018 focusing on child care and boosting productivity. In a telephone conversation on Monday, Abe and Trump agreed to work together on steps to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development. Trump told Abe 'He is looking forward to his visit to Japan, that Japan and America are 100 percent together and there is no room to doubt the Japan-U.S. alliance.' Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters. The two leaders have developed a close personal relationship since Trump was elected, and plan to play golf together during Trump's Nov. 5-7 visit to Japan.

Shinzo Abe re-elected prime minister of Japan after big election win

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again proved that he is a shrewd political strategist who understands Japanese politics better than his rivals. His latest controversial decision to hold snap elections to the House of Representatives one full year earlier than required raised many eyebrows in Japan and many analysts called it a risky gamble.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Mr Abe&rsquo;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Mr Abe?s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Already enjoying more than two-thirds majority in the House, it was doubted whether he could even retain the existing strength leave alone the question of bettering it. When Abe took the decision to call the snap elections, he thought that it would be the usual &ldquo;rubber stamp elections&rdquo; which he could easily win as he had done in 2014. Though subsequently many developments like the rise of Ms Yuriko Koike as a challenger seemingly created some hiccups. Finally,&nbsp;Mr Abe&rsquo;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House.

This victory, fifth successive win in national elections since 2012, will strengthen Mr Abe&rsquo;s position within his own party and even ensure his re-election as party president for the third term in September 2018 and his continuance as the Prime Minister until 2021. Some of his detractors within the party who could have challenged him now look very much weakened by&nbsp;Mr Abe&rsquo;s victory.

He is likely to be the longest-serving post-war prime minister of Japan. It is to be noted that the next major national election he will face will be in the summer of 2019 which will elect&nbsp;half the members of the House Councilors. It means that he will have ample time to initiate and implement some of his long-cherished goals like amending the Constitution, denuclearisation of North Korea, and enhancing the consumption tax from 8 per cent to 10 per cent by 2019.

In particular, Mr Abe will show utmost circumspection while dealing with the constitutional amendment which has posed the greatest challenge to successive governments in the past. He knows that since the issue can fuel a great deal of heat within the country, he has to move carefully to work out a national consensus before taking any hasty step. Winning 310 odd seats in the elections is not the same as winning the hearts of the people. In fact, many public opinion surveys taken after the election results conveyed the message that about 45-50 per cent of the people surveyed expressed their disagreement with Mr Abe&rsquo;s policies.

The Japanese Constitution lays down that any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by the two-thirds majority of both Houses and that it has to be endorsed by the people in a national referendum. Mr Abe knows that post-war Japanese pacifism has been centered on this Article and large segments of Japanese people strongly believe that this provision has given considerable stability to the reemergence of Japan as a strong peace-loving democratic state since 1952.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Mr Abe will respect the strength of the people&rsquo;s sentiments and explore all possibilities to mould a national consensus on the issue. It will take time, but it would need careful handling.&nbsp;For instance, there are many elements in his own party who are not fully convinced about changing the Constitution. Further, his own political ally the Komeito Party has long expressed its reservations to the constitutional amendment. To what extent it is going to cooperate with Mr Abe will remain to be seen. In addition, while seeking to amend the Constitution, he has to give careful considerations to how other Asian neighbouring countries would respond to it.

Finally, the fact that Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership. He has been one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral ties since 2006. In particular, his close relations with Mr Narendra Modi have contributed to the deepening of the bilateral partnership since 2014. Mr Abe&rsquo;s recent summit meeting with Mr Modi at Ahmedabad in September 2017 marked a major milestone in their relations.

With Shinzo Abe in power, India-Japan relations will prosper and that will benefit India

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again proved that he is a shrewd political strategist who understands Japanese politics better than his rivals. His latest controversial decision to hold snap elections to the House of Representatives one full year earlier than required raised many eyebrows in Japan and many analysts called it a risky gamble. Mr Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House. × Already enjoying more than two-thirds majority in the House, it was doubted whether he could even retain the existing strength leave alone the question of bettering it. When Abe took the decision to call the snap elections, he thought that it would be the usual “rubber stamp elections” which he could easily win as he had done in 2014. Though subsequently many developments like the rise of Ms Yuriko Koike as a challenger seemingly created some hiccups. Finally, Mr Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House. This victory, fifth successive win in national elections since 2012, will strengthen Mr Abe’s position within his own party and even ensure his re-election as party president for the third term in September 2018 and his continuance as the Prime Minister until 2021. Some of his detractors within the party who could have challenged him now look very much weakened by Mr Abe’s victory. He is likely to be the longest-serving post-war prime minister of Japan. It is to be noted that the next major national election he will face will be in the summer of 2019 which will elect half the members of the House Councilors. It means that he will have ample time to initiate and implement some of his long-cherished goals like amending the Constitution, denuclearisation of North Korea, and enhancing the consumption tax from 8 per cent to 10 per cent by 2019. In particular, Mr Abe will show utmost circumspection while dealing with the constitutional amendment which has posed the greatest challenge to successive governments in the past. He knows that since the issue can fuel a great deal of heat within the country, he has to move carefully to work out a national consensus before taking any hasty step. Winning 310 odd seats in the elections is not the same as winning the hearts of the people. In fact, many public opinion surveys taken after the election results conveyed the message that about 45-50 per cent of the people surveyed expressed their disagreement with Mr Abe’s policies. The Japanese Constitution lays down that any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by the two-thirds majority of both Houses and that it has to be endorsed by the people in a national referendum. Mr Abe knows that post-war Japanese pacifism has been centered on this Article and large segments of Japanese people strongly believe that this provision has given considerable stability to the reemergence of Japan as a strong peace-loving democratic state since 1952. Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership. × Mr Abe will respect the strength of the people’s sentiments and explore all possibilities to mould a national consensus on the issue. It will take time, but it would need careful handling. For instance, there are many elements in his own party who are not fully convinced about changing the Constitution. Further, his own political ally the Komeito Party has long expressed its reservations to the constitutional amendment. To what extent it is going to cooperate with Mr Abe will remain to be seen. In addition, while seeking to amend the Constitution, he has to give careful considerations to how other Asian neighbouring countries would respond to it. Finally, the fact that Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership. He has been one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral ties since 2006. In particular, his close relations with Mr Narendra Modi have contributed to the deepening of the bilateral partnership since 2014. Mr Abe’s recent summit meeting with Mr Modi at Ahmedabad in September 2017 marked a major milestone in their relations.

What Japan & India stand to gain from Shinzo Abe's victory

Fresh off a decisive election victory, Japan&#39;s leader pledged today to tackle what he called Japan&#39;s two national crises, the military threat from North Korea and an aging and shrinking population.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a news conference that he is committed to protecting the Japanese people&#39;s prosperity and peace from any contingency. He also referred to the Japanese kidnapped years ago and believed still held by North Korea.

&quot;I will pursue decisive and strong diplomacy to tackle North Korea&#39;s missile, nuclear and abduction issues and put further pressure to get it to change its policy,&quot; he said.

His ruling coalition was returned to power in elections yesterday for Japan&#39;s more powerful lower house. Abe said the result showed &quot;strong support&quot; and thanked the people for backing stability and his government&#39;s policies.

He promised a comprehensive package by the end of the year to deal with Japan&#39;s demographic challenges, including investments in education, productivity improvements, and pension system reform.

Abe called them Japan's two national crises

Fresh off a decisive election victory, Japan's leader pledged today to tackle what he called Japan's two national crises, the military threat from North Korea and an aging and shrinking population. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a news conference that he is committed to protecting the Japanese people's prosperity and peace from any contingency. He also referred to the Japanese kidnapped years ago and believed still held by North Korea. "I will pursue decisive and strong diplomacy to tackle North Korea's missile, nuclear and abduction issues and put further pressure to get it to change its policy," he said. His ruling coalition was returned to power in elections yesterday for Japan's more powerful lower house. Abe said the result showed "strong support" and thanked the people for backing stability and his government's policies. He promised a comprehensive package by the end of the year to deal with Japan's demographic challenges, including investments in education, productivity improvements, and pension system reform.

After election win, Shinzo Abe says his priorities are North Korea and ageing Japan

A powerful typhoon left five dead, two missing and dozens injured in Japan today, moving northward off the Pacific coast after millions struggled to the polls for a national election.

Authorities advised thousands living in coastal areas or near rivers to evacuate to shelters before Typhoon Lan, described as &quot;very large and very strong&quot;, hit Tokyo and surrounding regions early Monday morning.

The typhoon left the Japanese archipelago by about 9:00 am after making landfall in Shizuoka southwest of Tokyo six hours before, the weather agency said.

The storm, which had already dumped torrential rain over much of the country during the weekend, packed gusts up to 162 kilometres per hour, the meteorological agency said.

Train operators suspended some commuter trains in Tokyo suburbs early today and cancelled some &quot;Shinkansen&quot; bullet trains in northern Japan after a blackout left passengers stranded overnight in the country&#39;s central region.

Nearly 300 flights scheduled for Monday have already been cancelled, public broadcaster NHK said, after strong winds forced 500 flights to be grounded Sunday.

Some ferry services in western Japan were also cancelled as the weather agency warned of high waves, landslides, and floods across the Japanese archipelago.

The typhoon claimed its first victims Sunday as a male passer-by died when scaffolding collapsed on him at a construction site in Fukuoka in western Japan.

A 70-year-old man was found dead after he dived into the sea to grab a rope from another vessel as he attempted to escape from his troubled boat, a coastguard told AFP.

Two more people were missing after landslides in Osaka and Wakayama prefectures, private broadcasters FNN and TBS reported.

At least 89 people were injured across the nation, while an 85-year-old man was unaccounted for after his house was hit by landslides, NHK said, while the government confirmed 17 injuries.

Television footage showed rescuers tugging a rubber boat carrying an elderly woman in a residential area in Chiba southeast of Tokyo as a flooded river engulfed the area.

Toyota Motor said it would suspend operations at all domestic plants today.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his minister in charge of disasters to be ready to mobilise rescue and evacuation forces, including troops.

&quot;In order to protect people&#39;s lives, the Abe cabinet will unite and do its best to provide an emergency response to a disaster,&quot; he told reporters.

Voters in the capital braved torrential rain and driving wind on election day, but turnout across the country was expected to be only a fraction higher than the all-time low, boosted largely by people voting early to avoid the typhoon.

Near complete projections, Monday showed Abe&#39;s ruling conservative coalition was on track to win a two-thirds &quot;super-majority&quot;.

The foul weather did affect the election, with ferries to a remote island in the west cancelled due to high waves, forcing officials to suspend the counting of votes there.

On Saturday, voters on remote southern islands in the path of the storm cast their ballots early, heeding a call from Abe.

At least 89 people were injured across the nation

A powerful typhoon left five dead, two missing and dozens injured in Japan today, moving northward off the Pacific coast after millions struggled to the polls for a national election. Authorities advised thousands living in coastal areas or near rivers to evacuate to shelters before Typhoon Lan, described as "very large and very strong", hit Tokyo and surrounding regions early Monday morning. The typhoon left the Japanese archipelago by about 9:00 am after making landfall in Shizuoka southwest of Tokyo six hours before, the weather agency said. The storm, which had already dumped torrential rain over much of the country during the weekend, packed gusts up to 162 kilometres per hour, the meteorological agency said. Train operators suspended some commuter trains in Tokyo suburbs early today and cancelled some "Shinkansen" bullet trains in northern Japan after a blackout left passengers stranded overnight in the country's central region. Nearly 300 flights scheduled for Monday have already been cancelled, public broadcaster NHK said, after strong winds forced 500 flights to be grounded Sunday. Some ferry services in western Japan were also cancelled as the weather agency warned of high waves, landslides, and floods across the Japanese archipelago. The typhoon claimed its first victims Sunday as a male passer-by died when scaffolding collapsed on him at a construction site in Fukuoka in western Japan. A 70-year-old man was found dead after he dived into the sea to grab a rope from another vessel as he attempted to escape from his troubled boat, a coastguard told AFP. Two more people were missing after landslides in Osaka and Wakayama prefectures, private broadcasters FNN and TBS reported. At least 89 people were injured across the nation, while an 85-year-old man was unaccounted for after his house was hit by landslides, NHK said, while the government confirmed 17 injuries. Television footage showed rescuers tugging a rubber boat carrying an elderly woman in a residential area in Chiba southeast of Tokyo as a flooded river engulfed the area. Toyota Motor said it would suspend operations at all domestic plants today. Yesterday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his minister in charge of disasters to be ready to mobilise rescue and evacuation forces, including troops. "In order to protect people's lives, the Abe cabinet will unite and do its best to provide an emergency response to a disaster," he told reporters. Voters in the capital braved torrential rain and driving wind on election day, but turnout across the country was expected to be only a fraction higher than the all-time low, boosted largely by people voting early to avoid the typhoon. Near complete projections, Monday showed Abe's ruling conservative coalition was on track to win a two-thirds "super-majority". The foul weather did affect the election, with ferries to a remote island in the west cancelled due to high waves, forcing officials to suspend the counting of votes there. On Saturday, voters on remote southern islands in the path of the storm cast their ballots early, heeding a call from Abe.

Typhoon leaves five dead after lashing Japan on election day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on his re-election and said he looked forward to further strengthening the relations between the two countries.

Abe got a resounding victory in the snap polls held yesterday, with his LDF-led coalition winning a two-thirds majority in the lower house of Parliament.

&quot;Heartiest greetings to my dear friend @AbeShinzo on his big election win. Look forward to further strengthen India- Japan relations with him,&quot; Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Heartiest greetings to my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> on his big election win. Look forward to further strengthen India-Japan relations with him.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/922300769432494081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Modi and Abe share a great relationship and have met several times over the last three years.

Abe was in India recently for the annual summit meeting with Modi.

PM Modi said he looked forward to further strengthening the relations between the two countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on his re-election and said he looked forward to further strengthening the relations between the two countries. Abe got a resounding victory in the snap polls held yesterday, with his LDF-led coalition winning a two-thirds majority in the lower house of Parliament. "Heartiest greetings to my dear friend @AbeShinzo on his big election win. Look forward to further strengthen India- Japan relations with him," Modi tweeted. Heartiest greetings to my dear friend @AbeShinzo on his big election win. Look forward to further strengthen India-Japan relations with him. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2017 × Modi and Abe share a great relationship and have met several times over the last three years. Abe was in India recently for the annual summit meeting with Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Shinzo Abe on re-election

japan-elections

Japan Elections, News on Japan Elections, stories on Japan Elections, articles on Japan Elections, Japan Elections stories at Wion, Japan Elections news, Japan Elections latest news

japan elections