Kyoto Governor Nishiwaki Wins Third Term After Defeating Two New Challengers

KYOTO, Apr 06 (News On Japan) - Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki won a third term after defeating two first-time challengers in the prefectural election held on April 5th, securing more than half of the total votes cast with backing from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Democratic Party for the People, and other centrist groups.

The race featured three candidates, marking the first time in 24 years that the election was not a direct one-on-one contest, with Nishiwaki’s administrative record over two terms spanning eight years appearing to have earned voter support.

Voter turnout stood at 37.43%, down 0.15 percentage points from the previous election.

Source: YOMIURI

Japan Overhauls Weather Alert System

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced it will significantly revamp its disaster-related weather information system from April 28th, introducing a new category called “Danger Warning” in addition to existing warnings and advisories.

Body Found in Kyoto Mountains Confirmed as Missing Boy

The body discovered in a forested area of Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on April 12th has been identified as that of Adachi Yuki, an 11-year-old elementary school student who had been missing since March 23rd, with authorities saying the cause of death remains unknown.

Typhoon No. 4 Set to Approach Saipan Before Turning Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 4 (Sinlaku), a large and extremely powerful system, is moving west-northwest over the Mariana Islands and is expected to make its closest approach to Saipan on April 15th while maintaining its intense strength.

Japan Military to Exit Antarctica

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will withdraw from Antarctic research vessel operations after nearly six decades, with private-sector entities expected to take over following the retirement of the icebreaker Shirase in fiscal 2034.

Shortage of Naphtha-Based Products Expands Across Japan

A growing shortage of products derived from naphtha is beginning to affect everyday industries, as instability surrounding supply routes linked to tensions involving Iran raises concerns across Japan’s economy.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Remote Japanese Island Ready to Deploy Missile Unit

Yonaguni Town Mayor Tsuneo Uechi met Defense Minister Koizumi on April 13th and conveyed his intention to accept the deployment of a missile unit at the Yonaguni garrison, marking a shift in his previously neutral stance on the issue.

Deep Purple Pays Courtesy Visit to Japanese Prime Minister

Members of the globally renowned hard rock band Deep Purple paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on April 10th during their visit to Japan.

LDP Proposes Drafting Constitutional Amendments

Japan’s House of Representatives Commission on the Constitution convened on April 9th for its first round of deliberations since the ruling party’s landslide victory in the February lower house election, with lawmakers beginning discussions on potential constitutional revisions.

Mass Protest Outside National Diet Demands End to War

A citizens’ group advocating the preservation of Japan’s pacifist constitution held a large-scale rally in front of the National Diet on April 8th, drawing approximately 30,000 participants according to organizers, while similar events and street demonstrations were held across the country.

Japan Confirms Release on Bail of Citizen Detained in Iran

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Kihara said during a press conference that one Japanese national detained in Iran in January 2026 has been released on bail.

Third Japanese Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz

A third vessel linked to Japan has been confirmed to have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, where a de facto blockade remains in place following heightened tensions in the region.

Trump Criticizes Japan for Lack of Support

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Japan over its response to a military operation involving Iran, stating that Japan "did not help" during the campaign.

Takaichi Seeks Separate Talks With Iran

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on April 6th that Japan is making arrangements for separate high-level talks with Iran in response to the worsening situation in the Middle East, as a deadline for negotiations set by U.S. President Donald Trump approaches.

< 2 3 4 5 >