JAPAN: Abe government seeks containment without shutdowns as cases spread again
Nine prefectures reported record-high numbers of new cases on Wednesday, 29 July, as the number of new daily cases nationwide exceeded 1,000 for the first time. Neither prefectural governments nor the national government wants to suspend business and social activities ag… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail […]
JAPAN: Second-wave fears cast shadow over domestic tourism campaign
The Abe administration’s “Go To Travel” domestic tourism campaign will begin as planned on Wednesday, 22 July amid widespread controversy over whether the government should be promoting tourism when Japan’s largest cities are coping with sharp increases in new Covid-19 cases. As … Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: National government continues to clash with governors over rising cases
The Abe government and the Tokyo metropolitan government have clashed over how to respond to the growing number of Covid-19 confirmed cases, centered mainly in Tokyo. The national government may be willing to consider some restrictions on high-risk facilities, but is deter… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Abe government begins planning for the post-Covid-19 world
The Abe government has unveiled drafts for key documents that will guide its efforts to adapt to the “new normal.” The main ideas – digital transformation, innovation, and greater labor and social flexibility – are not new; the government is hoping the crisis will accelerate… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
JAPAN: Abe government pushes balanced approach but critics fret about new cases
The Abe government’s revamped Covid-19 advisory panel, which now includes business and labor representatives as well as the governor of Tottori prefecture, held its first meeting on Monday, 6 July. Now a subcommittee of a ministerial-level committee, the panel’s deliberations hig… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: National and local officials seek balanced response as cases rise again
The Abe administration’s point man on managing the Covid-19 pandemic, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, was forced to apologize to ruling party lawmakers on Wednesday, 1 July after he announced abruptly last week that the government would dissolve the medical advisory panel t… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Will Abe be able to pull off another comeback?
The ordinary session of the Diet closed on Wednesday, 17 June, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s approval ratings at some of their lowest levels since he returned to power in 2012. Abe will try to position himself to call a snap election that could revive his fortunes, as h… Become a member to read […]
JAPAN: Tokyo reconsiders relationship with China in the post-Covid-19 order
China’s actions in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to a pause in the Abe government’s pursuit of closer ties with Beijing, and prompted calls for a reconsideration of Japan’s relationship with China.Worsening bilateral ties could influence the race to succeed Prime M… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
JAPAN: A second historic stimulus package alone will not cure what ails Abe
The Abe cabinet approved a second round of stimulus on Wednesday, 27 May that equals last month’s historically large JPY 117.1tn (USD 1tn) price tag.The largest portion of the stimulus package is intended to provide interest-free financing for businesses and its ultimate economi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Abe faces new risks as Japan exits state of emergency
On Monday, 25 May, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted the state of emergency still in effect in Tokyo and three of its surrounding prefectures as well as the northern prefecture of Hokkaido.Abe faces the challenges of the post-emergency stage of the outbreak with his approval rati… Become a member to read the rest of […]