JAPAN: Suga faces new obstacle as ministry reveals son’s ties with regulators
On Wednesday, 24 February, Internal Affairs Minister Ryota Takeda announced the results of an internal investigation that found that 13 current and former Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) officials had violated administrative ethics rules. The officials, 11 o… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password […]
ASIA: Suga and Moon face rising disapproval as case numbers surge
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in are both struggling with eroding political support as their countries face their most significant increases in Covid-19 cases thus far. While in recent weeks Moon has recorded some of his lowest ap… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Suga heads into parliamentary recess facing political headwinds
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga heads into a parliamentary recess with his approval ratings having fallen sharply. Suga’s falling approval ratings likely reflect growing disapproval of his handling of Covid-19 and perhaps also the reemergence of a political finance scandal tha… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Suga looks vulnerable after changing course on subsidies
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced after a meeting of his government’s Covid-19 response headquarters on Saturday, 21 November that, as expected, his government would suspend or scale back the “Go To” programs for subsidizing domestic travel and dining out. However advisab… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Suga’s first foray into diplomacy highlights foreign policy challenges
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga welcomed foreign dignitaries for the first time on Tuesday, 6 October when his government hosted the second-ever meeting of foreign ministers from the “Quad” countries: Japan, the US, India, and Australia. While the meeting revealed that Sug… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Suga courts backlash with unprecedented intervention in advisory body
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga faces calls from both the ruling coalition and opposition lawmakers to explain his convention-defying rejection of six candidates nominated to an academic advisory council. The government has refused to explain why it rejected the candidates… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: How Suga will manage Japan’s foreign policy, part III
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has acknowledged the need for a reset in relations with South Korea but is unlikely to close the trust deficit with Seoul. A diplomatic breakthrough with North Korea will similarly prove elusive, depending more on Pyongyang’s priorities than Tokyo’s…. Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Suga’s cabinet offers bland continuity but honeymoon is still likely
Yoshihide Suga was officially selected as Japan’s prime minister by the Diet on Wednesday, 16 September.Suga’s cabinet retains ten members from its predecessor, but the new members contain few politicians who will raise excitement about the government.The new government will sti… Become a member to read the rest of this article