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Satoshi Sugiyama
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Nov 10, 2021
With momentum on his side, Kishida ready to roll out key policies on COVID-19 and economy
While Wednesday's legislative session to re-elect Kishida might have appeared to be ceremonial, one thing is clear: He is now on a much more solid footing within the LDP.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 4, 2021
LDP backs Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for party’s No. 2 role
The choice of Motegi as secretary-general underscores Kishida's desire to stabilize his power base within the party, as the appointee is close to LDP power brokers Shinzo Abe and Taro Aso.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 1, 2021
The LDP won the Lower House election, but it has few reasons to celebrate
Despite achieving a strong majority of its own, high-profile upsets and a reduced ruling coalition seat count have taken the edge off victory.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 1, 2021
LDP secures comfortable majority in Lower House election
Ruling party suffers some high-profile losses, with Akira Amari poised to resign as secretary-general following a surprise defeat in his Kanagawa constituency.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 31, 2021
Voting in Japan's Lower House election kicks off in first test of Kishida’s popularity
All 465 seats — 289 single-member districts and 176 elected under proportional representation — will be contested, with the ruling bloc widely seen as maintaining a simple majority.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 29, 2021
Pre-election briefing: Here's where the parties stand on the issues
With everything from the pandemic to nuclear power weighing on voters' minds, there has been increased discussion about the direction that Japan should take.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 19, 2021
Issue of national security looms large in Lower House campaign
The economy and fight against COVID-19 remain the top issues for voters, but they are increasingly concerned about threats from China and North Korea.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 19, 2021
LDP projected to retain majority in election but lose 40 seats
With the addition of Komeito's seats, the ruling coalition will be able to pass bills smoothly but will lack the number needed to push forward with constitutional revision, a pollster says.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 14, 2021
Lower House dissolved as Japan shifts into election season
Kishida is heading into the vote facing a balancing act between placating conservative voters and LDP lawmakers, and seeing off a more united left-leaning opposition.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 11, 2021
Opposition presses Kishida on COVID-19 and economic policy in Diet questioning
With an eye on the upcoming Lower House election, CDP leader Yukio Edano mixed his attacks on the new prime minister with counterproposals of his own.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 8, 2021
Kishida calls for new economic approach in first policy speech
Kishida on Friday vowed to transform the Japanese economy by implementing a “new model of capitalism,' identifying growth and the distribution of wealth as “mutually necessary.”
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Oct 7, 2021
Who is Fumio Kishida, Japan's new prime minister?
Who is Kishida and how did he rise to become the country's newest Prime Minister?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 4, 2021
Challenges await as Kishida takes reins as Japan's prime minister
Fumio Kishida is taking over as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. But his first job will be securing his mandate.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 1, 2021
Abe's influence weighs heavily on Kishida's LDP executive picks
Newly installed LDP chief Fumio Kishida officially unveiled the ruling party's new executive lineup Friday, elevating a close ally of the former prime minister to the No. 2 role.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 30, 2021
In the LDP's leadership race, Abe is looking like the ultimate victor
With many lawmakers having followed Abe's lead in backing Kishida as a second choice, the new LDP leader is likely to feel indebted to the former prime minister.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 29, 2021
Fumio Kishida to become Japan's PM following close LDP leadership race
The LDP veteran defeated Taro Kono, the vaccine czar and No. 1 choice for prime minister in public opinion polls, in a runoff thanks to strong backing from lawmakers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 24, 2021
Sanae Takaichi emerges as dark horse candidate in LDP leadership race
Despite initially being viewed as a no-hope candidate, Takaichi has used Shinzo Abe's backing and media appearances to build support among lawmakers and the public.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 17, 2021
LDP race kicks off as Japan faces pandemic and national security challenges 
Fumio Kishida, Sanae Takaichi, Taro Kono and Seiko Noda are each vying to lead the ruling party in a race that lacks a true front-runner.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 16, 2021
No clear front-runner and factions divided on eve of LDP leadership campaign
The race is turning out to be more than simply an election to choose the country's next leader — it's become a contest that could shift power dynamics within the ruling party.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 10, 2021
In LDP race, divided factions and empowered junior lawmakers make election a toss-up
Unlike last year, when a majority of the party's prominent factions swiftly banded together to back Yoshihide Suga, most factions are divided over who to support.

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