Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi announced her candidacy in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, set to be officially declared next week, unveiling a platform centered on bold “growth investment.” Her policy package also incorporates some opposition proposals, signaling an openness to potential collaboration.
Marking the 94th anniversary of the Mukden Incident that sparked the Manchurian Incident, China released the film '731' on September 18, which centers on Unit 731, a former Japanese military unit allegedly engaged in the development of biological weapons.
Anti-Japan sentiment in China drew fresh attention on September 18, a date that marks both 94 years since the Mukden (Liutiaohu) Incident and the 80th anniversary China frames as its victory in the war against Japan, raising concerns for Japanese residents and businesses.
An initiative to reuse soil generated during decontamination work in Fukushima Prefecture after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident has started at central government ministries in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo.
Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has decided to run in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential race.
The first hearing for former House of Councillors member Ohno Yasumasa and his secretary, charged with violating the Political Funds Control Act over an alleged slush fund tied to Liberal Democratic Party fundraising parties, was held at the Tokyo District Court on September 10th. Ohno pleaded not guilty, saying, "I have never committed a crime."
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is entering a leadership contest as factional infighting deepens, with the outcome set to shape responses to inflation and the realities of minority governance. Opposition parties are preparing to invoke Article 53 of the Constitution to demand an extraordinary Diet session, arguing that a prolonged political vacuum is unacceptable.
Following Prime Minister Ishiba's announcement of his resignation on September 7th, moves to select his successor within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are accelerating.