Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to undertake a state visit to Japan from May 26-29, where he is expected to meet with the Emperor and Prime Minister. The visit aims to deepen defense ties between the two nations.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi held a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing gratitude for continued crude oil supply to Japan and requesting cooperation for expanded energy supply.
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Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has sent a ritual offering to the controversial Yasukuni war shrine for its spring rite, drawing criticism and regret from South Korea and concern from China. The shrine honors Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals, and is seen by some as a symbol of past militarism.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is actively participating in summit diplomacy concerning the ongoing Iran crisis. Tokyo aims to leverage its unique international relationships, cultivated since World War II, to showcase its diplomatic approach.
The Liberal Democratic Party's Growth Strategy Headquarters has proposed to Prime Minister Takaichi a review of the uniform guidance on overtime work, aiming for more flexible working environments.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi met with Polish Prime Minister Tusk in Japan to confirm strengthened cooperation across various sectors, including security and economy, and enhanced collaboration for peace and reconstruction support in Ukraine.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi held phone talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif on the afternoon of the 13th. Pakistan mediated recent US-Iran talks, and the leaders are believed to have exchanged views on early de-escalation of the situation.
At the LDP party convention, Prime Minister Takaichi committed to implementing policies that divide national opinion, such as economic reforms and strengthening intelligence, while vowing to lead the party to victory in next spring's unified local elections.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi (or relevant official) is considering a health insurance law amendment that would impose additional costs on patients prescribed "OTC-like drugs." However, the government plans to explore specific measures to exempt patients with serious conditions like cancer and intractable diseases from these new burdens.
Prime Minister Takaichi is navigating global risks with steady leadership, though questions remain about her economic vision and ability to seize reform opportunities.
A bill to establish a new "National Intelligence Agency" has begun deliberation in Japan's House of Representatives. Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized that the agency would coordinate information gathering for counter-terrorism and emergencies without infringing on privacy.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi has stated that any decision to send forces to the Strait of Hormuz will be made "in accordance with law," as a former top national security adviser recommends enacting a special law to facilitate the deployment of warships to secure the strait.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi announced that the country will begin its biggest-ever release of about 80 million barrels of oil from national and joint stockpiles, equivalent to 45 days of domestic demand, starting on the 26th in response to the ongoing Middle East energy crisis.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has reiterated her stance, ruling out the possibility of a summit between Pyongyang and Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi.
An opinion piece commends Prime Minister Takaichi for her impressive and surprising performance during a challenging period, suggesting she continues to outperform expectations.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in the US for what is anticipated to be a 'very difficult meeting,' with key topics including the war in Iran, Trump's call for warships in Hormuz, strengthening alliances against China, and economic cooperation.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi stated in the House of Councillors Budget Committee that efforts would be made to secure alternative procurement sources for crude oil and other resources, in preparation for a prolonged situation concerning Iran.
The Japanese government has informed the ruling party that a Japan-US summit meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump is being arranged for March 19. Foreign Minister Motegi and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa are expected to accompany the Prime Minister.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's parliamentary response regarding a 'Taiwan contingency,' stating that the future of Japan-China relations depends on Japan's actions.
Regarding the situation in Iran, Prime Minister Takaichi stated her intention to make every necessary diplomatic effort in cooperation with the international community to achieve an early de-escalation of the situation, while also ensuring the full protection of Japanese nationals in the region and neighboring countries.
The Japanese Diet has begun substantive deliberations on the new fiscal year budget bill, with Prime Minister Takaichi proposing a two-year zero consumption tax on food items. Discussions are also underway regarding the Democratic Party for the People and the Centrist Reform Alliance potentially joining a cross-party 'National Conference'.
During a House of Representatives plenary session, Prime Minister Takaichi addressed questions regarding the Liberal Democratic Party's pledge to eliminate consumption tax on food for two years, suggesting a cross-party 'National Council' to decide on the implementation period.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi defended the distribution of catalog gifts to Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members after the recent general election, stating in the House of Councillors that there are no legal issues.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi spoke with German Chancellor Merz by phone, discussing regional affairs including East Asia and potentially China, ahead of Chancellor Merz's visit to China.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi announced a review of the discretionary labor system, prompting diverse opinions from economic and labor organizations.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is set to deliver a policy speech, emphasizing her commitment to implementing economic and foreign policy pledges following her election victory.
Japan's special parliament session has convened, with Prime Minister Takaichi expected to be elected as the 105th Prime Minister in the afternoon and form her second cabinet tonight.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has posted a New Year's greeting on the Prime Minister's Office website in Japanese and Chinese ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Regarding the recent House of Representatives election, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that it was an opportunity to ask the public about policy shifts such as "responsible proactive fiscal policy," fundamental strengthening of security policy, and enhancement of the government's intelligence functions. Among these, "responsible proactive fiscal policy" is an economic and fiscal policy that aims for active investment while considering fiscal sustainability, and the Liberal Democratic Party's manifesto outlines three principles for it.
A Mainichi poll revealed that public support for Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's Cabinet has dropped to 53%, marking its lowest level since the cabinet's inception.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai are accelerating their review of constitutional amendment proposals, including emergency clauses, in line with Prime Minister Takaichi's intentions. The House of Representatives Constitutional Review Committee plans intensive discussions on emergency provisions starting next week.
Prime Minister Takaichi announced approximately $10 billion in aid during an online summit with Asian nations to ensure Japan's stable procurement of petroleum-derived medical supplies.
Prime Minister Takaichi is set to announce support for Japan's stable procurement of oil-derived medical supplies at an online summit with Asian countries, alongside a chairman's statement on strengthening regional supply chains.
Prime Minister Takaichi requested cooperation from the ruling party for deliberations on important bills in the latter half of the Diet session, following the establishment of the current fiscal year's budget.
Prime Minister Takaichi announced Japan's plan to release approximately 20 days' worth of national oil reserves from early next month to ensure a stable crude oil supply, in response to the Middle East situation.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is arranging visits to Vietnam and Australia in May to strengthen cooperation in security and economic sectors, with the decision contingent on the evolving Middle East situation.
Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan and President Macron of France visited a Tokyo-based company working on solutions for space debris, expressing hope for further cooperation between private companies in both countries in the space sector.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, has poured cold water on Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's hopes for a summit, despite Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary stating Takaichi is prepared to engage directly.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi met with President Trump, with Tokyo hoping the Trump administration will not neglect Taiwan and East Asia due to engagements in South America and the Persian Gulf, while also fearing calls to send ships to the Persian Gulf.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to visit Washington to meet with Trump, facing the difficult task of avoiding new military commitments, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a visit planned under different circumstances.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is emphasizing the security environment ahead of a US visit, a move experts suggest is aimed at securing US support for Tokyo’s military shift.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, particularly its impact on LNG procurement and prices, and is committed to ensuring stable supply. She also mentioned that a supplementary budget is not out of the question if the situation prolongs.
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, including Iran, Prime Minister Takaichi received reports from relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Prime Minister's official residence on the 1st, and instructed them to take necessary actions as needed.
Prime Minister Takaichi is making arrangements to attend a ceremony organized by Fukushima Prefecture on March 11, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, signaling the government's commitment to reconstruction.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi explained on X (formerly Twitter) that she distributed catalog gifts to all LDP House of Representatives members after the last general election, stating it was a token of appreciation and for political activities.
The Japanese Yen depreciated against the dollar following reports that Prime Minister Takaichi expressed reservations about further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
Japan's special Diet session convened today following the recent general election, with Prime Minister Takaichi expected to be elected for her second cabinet tonight.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's approval ratings have remained high, though some wavering has been observed. This slight fluctuation is attributed to the ongoing impact of events related to Iran.
A recent poll shows that support for Prime Minister Takaichi's Cabinet has slightly decreased to 59.1%, marking its lowest level for the second consecutive month, though it remains high compared to predecessors.
The Japanese parliament has commenced deliberations on a new bill aimed at establishing a dedicated disaster management agency. Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the need for a fundamental strengthening of the country's disaster prevention system.
Sanae Takaichi likes hard rock and heavy metal and is an amateur drummer. Besides Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath, she is a superfan of Deep Purple, who delighted her with a visit.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi held a phone conversation with UAE President Mohammed, requesting continued cooperation to ensure a stable supply of crude oil to Japan.
Amidst the situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Takaichi met with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa and the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno, reiterating instructions to ensure the stable supply of petroleum products and other goods.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi acknowledged concerns about the long-term supply of medical products, stemming from crude oil shortages in other Asian nations that impact manufacturing and shipping to Japan, and is now actively seeking to ease these concerns.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi held a phone call with Philippine President Marcos, agreeing to coordinate efforts for the early de-escalation of the Middle East situation.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has reaffirmed her negative view on dialogue with Japan if it is premised on resolving the abduction issue, following Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's expressed willingness to meet directly with Kim Jong Un.
Following Prime Minister Takaichi's return from a summit with US President Trump, Japan's ruling party is set to engage in discussions with the government regarding the new fiscal year budget bill, including the handling of a provisional budget.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he is not considering deploying troops to the Middle East, despite earlier reports that he was considering sending thousands of American troops to reinforce operations as Washington and Tehran exchange threats and the war in Iran continues, reaffirming his stance that he is not sending troops.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi announced that Japan and the United States will engage in discussions regarding joint development initiatives for rare earth minerals, signaling a move towards strengthening supply chains.
Japan commemorated the 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, with Prime Minister Takaichi advocating for increased use of nuclear energy.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi stated that the government is considering support measures for gasoline, electricity, and gas prices if they surge due to rising crude oil futures amidst the situation in Iran.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has called on the Democratic Party for the People to join a 'National Council' to discuss inflation countermeasures, including a consumption tax reduction, building on the DPP's proposal for tax deductions and social insurance refunds.
Following the start of military action against Iran by the United States and Israel on the 28th, Prime Minister Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after 6 PM on the 28th, stating, "We have previously taken measures such as early evacuation of Japanese nationals in preparation for any eventuality. Upon receiving the report, I immediately instructed relevant ministries and agencies to thoroughly collect information and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of remaining Japanese nationals." He added, "Today, I am on a business trip to Kanazawa for party affairs, but I am receiving reports sequentially..."
Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ozaki stated that Bank of Japan Governor Ueda clarified there were no specific policy requests regarding reports that Prime Minister Takaichi expressed reluctance about further interest rate hikes.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi explained in the House of Representatives that she deleted her website's policy column because she lacked time to update it since taking office.
Canadian Prime Minister Carney is scheduled to visit Japan next week for the first time since taking office, where he will discuss strengthening economic and security cooperation with Prime Minister Takaichi.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has expressed her commitment to securing the approval of the new fiscal year budget within the current fiscal year, seeking cooperation from opposition parties.
China is escalating its retaliation against Japan, including recalling pandas and canceling tourist flights, after Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to meet with Bank of Japan Governor Ueda for the first time since her election victory, discussing economic policy.