Politics

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to impose disciplinary measures on 39 lawmakers, including potentially asking some to leave the party, in response to a political fund scandal involving underreported revenues from fund-raising events. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing growing internal backlash as some party members question why he is not being subjected to similar penalties despite the scandal's association with his faction.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented U.S. President Joe Biden with various gifts, including Wajima-nuri lacquerware and Super Mario toys, during his state visit to the White House. The gifts symbolized traditional craftsmanship from different regions of Japan and served as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims to enhance defense industry cooperation with the United States and other like-minded nations such as the Philippines. During his upcoming visit to the U.S., Kishida will focus on bolstering security cooperation, defense equipment development, and expanding arms co-development, emphasizing the importance of Japan-U.S. alliance and deterrence against China.

Japan has implemented stricter refugee screening rules, allowing for the deportation of individuals whose asylum applications are pending for a third time, sparking concerns about potential human rights violations. The revised law also permits the deportation of visa overstayers during their third application for refugee status, unless there is a "good reason" for their stay.

LDP Faces Uphill Battle in Shimane No. 1 District, Public Sentiment on Political Reform Hangs in the Balance, Scandals and Public Dissatisfaction Cast a Shadow over the Elections, LDP's Future and Japan's Political Landscape at Stake, A Crossroads for Japanese Democracy, A Test of Public Trust and a Referendum on the LDP's Leadership