340 Lawmakers Join Research Group Supporting Takaichi

May 22, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A new Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers’ group aimed at advancing the policies of the Takaichi administration held its first meeting, with Vice President Aso appointed as supreme adviser and former Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato named chairman.

The group, called the National Strength Research Group, has attracted around 340 Diet members, including cabinet ministers and senior party officials. By bringing together lawmakers across former factional lines, the group hopes to help strengthen Prime Minister Takaichi’s internal party base.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Typhoon No. 6 Strengthens Near Okinawa, Heavy Rain Threatens Wide Areas of Japan

As of 9 p.m. on May 30th, Typhoon No. 6 (Chanthu) was continuing to strengthen as it moved northwest over waters east of the Philippines, with Okinawa expected to face the worst conditions from June 1st to June 2nd as the storm passes nearby at strong intensity, while heavy rain is also forecast across western and eastern Japan, particularly along Pacific coastal regions.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Japan's population stood at 123.05 million in 2025, according to preliminary results from the national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of 3.097 million people over the past five years.

Japan Volleyball Player Busted Over Marijuana Possession

Volleyball player Shunichiro Sato, a member of Japan’s men’s national team, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of possessing marijuana after allegedly leaving a bag containing the drug at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo.

Naphtha Shortage Disrupts Japan's Housing Industry

The “naphtha shortage” triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East is now spreading into Japan’s housing industry, with shortages of paint, thinner, insulation materials and other building products forcing construction delays across the country.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan, Australia and New Zealand Hold First Trilateral Defense Ministers’ Meeting

Japan's Defense Minister Shinji Koizumi held the first-ever trilateral meeting with his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand, where the three sides exchanged views on defense cooperation, including the potential export of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's latest frigate design.

Japan Passes Law to Raise Foreign Resident Fees

Japan has enacted legislation allowing a sharp increase in fees charged to foreign residents for immigration procedures, with the cost of applying for permanent residence expected to rise from the current 10,000 yen to around 200,000 yen once the new system is implemented.

Vote Disparity in Japan Reaches 2.274 Times

Japan's declining population is set to trigger another review of single-seat electoral districts for the House of Representatives, with new census data highlighting widening disparities in voter representation and adding momentum to discussions over reducing the number of lawmakers.

Hospital Cancellation Fee Policy Sparks Confusion Ahead of June Launch

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno apologized on May 29th after confusion spread over a new policy that will allow some medical institutions to charge cancellation fees for missed appointments from June, stressing that the fees will apply only in limited cases.

Japan-Philippines Agree on 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 28th, agreeing to upgrade bilateral ties as the two countries deepen security cooperation in response to growing regional and global challenges.

Japan Passes Law Creating New Intelligence Council

A law creating the National Intelligence Council to strengthen the Japanese government's intelligence-gathering and analysis capabilities was passed and enacted at a plenary session of the House of Councillors on May 27th.

Emperor and Empress Welcome Philippine President and First Lady

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who are visiting Japan as state guests, were welcomed by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace at around 9:30 a.m. on May 27th during an official welcoming ceremony.

Japan is Turning Space into New Front Line of Defense

Japan is preparing to rename the Air Self-Defense Force the "Air and Space Self-Defense Force" for the first time since the Self-Defense Forces were established 72 years ago, reflecting growing concern over space debris, satellite security, and military developments by countries such as China and North Korea.

< 2 3 4 5 >