Archive - Observing Japan

Everything's coming up Ishiba

The opposition is fading just as the upper house campaign ramps up

Jun 16 •

Parties spar as upper house campaign nears | This Week in Japanese Politics

Another leaders' debate, the Tokyo assembly campaign begins, and the US and Japan trade talks continue

Jun 14 •

Tamaki missed his moment

Another populist runs into difficulties

Jun 13 •

Losing confidence | This Week in Japanese Politics

The prospects for a no-confidence motion are fading, the government's economic plans are taking shape, and no sign of a trade deal with the US

Jun 9 •

Ishiba gets a Koizumi bump

For now, the wind is at the prime minister's back

Jun 9 •

To no-confidence or not to no-confidence, that is the question

Jun 6 •

The great rice debate | This Week in Japanese Politics

The Diet and the LDP discuss rice policy, Ishiba threatens a snap election, and Akazawa prepares for another trip to Washington

Jun 2 •

May 2025

The momentum shifts | This Week in Japanese Politics

Pension legislation moves, cheaper rice arrives, and trade talks continue

May 31 •

Ishiba turns a corner?

Beneath the headline numbers, public opinion shifts towards the government

May 28 •

The government and the CDP make a deal | This Week in Japanese Politics

Pension reform will move ahead, Koizumi announces his plan for rice sales, and looking for progress in US-Japan trade talks

May 26 •

Koizumi hits the ground running | This Week in Japanese Politics

The new cabinet minister moves fast to combat surging rice prices, the LDP and CDP negotiate on pension reform amidst coalition speculation, and the US…

May 23 •

Etō out, Koizumi in

Shinjirō gets a hard job

May 21 •

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