Amidst an unrelenting disaffection towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, widely nicknamed ‘Tax-Hike Kishida’ on the internet, a substantial economic package exceeding 17 trillion yen was announced, aiming to counteract his image with income tax cuts. However, these tax reductions have stirred criticism not just from opposition parties but also within his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), leading to a further decline in cabinet approval ratings. The situation within the LDP appears especially fraught, with internal criticism hinting at a struggle for leadership ahead of a potential general election, stirring up speculations about Kishida’s successor. A critical point was the Senate plenary session on October 25th, following Kishida’s policy speech. The...

The situation in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory, is deteriorating daily. In October 2023, a child died every seven minutes, a rate ten times higher than the child fatalities in the first year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This staggering statistic paints a grim picture of what might be one of the world’s most tragic and unjust scenes. I offer an analysis and report on the current situation in Gaza, drawing from my experience in humanitarian aid in Gaza, as well as in Lebanon and Syria. Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip located in the north, is a densely populated hub of homes and shops....

In the intricate tapestry of international relations, few threads are as entangled and as enigmatic as those between Japan and North Korea. This deep dive into the veiled history of Japan-North Korea negotiations not only unveils the roots of this complex relationship but also critically examines the twists and turns it took under the administration of Shinzo Abe. We also explore the subsequent inertia in the diplomatic efforts of Fumio Kishida’s government, a legacy of his predecessor’s policies. This article sheds light on the complex historical and contemporary dynamics of Japan-North Korea relations, with a particular focus on the diplomatic strategies under Shinzo Abe and the subsequent direction under Fumio...

In the ever-evolving landscape of Japanese politics, the former Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party, Shigeru Ishiba, is garnering renewed attention. Ishiba’s blog, known for its incisive commentary, has reinvigorated his political presence, positioning him as a potential candidate for the next Prime Minister. His straightforward and unvarnished opinions have resonated with a broad spectrum of the electorate, including the non-aligned voters. Ishiba’s blog, rivaling the vigor of opposition voices, offers profound insights and critiques of the current political status quo. He fearlessly criticizes government economic policies and opposition stances, providing a unique perspective that breaks free from conventional political boundaries. Amidst the waning support for Prime Minister Kishida’s administration,...

Mori Building, a titan in urban development, famous for its pioneering projects like Toranomon Hills and Azabudai Hills, now faces critical scrutiny. Amidst impressive architectural feats, a lurking financial unease paints a different picture. The company’s accumulated debts have skyrocketed to a staggering 1.6 trillion yen, a drastic leap from 729 billion yen in 2012. Although revenue and profits show growth, they pale in comparison to the burgeoning debt. With five years of negative Free Cash Flow, the financial alarm bells are ringing loud and clear. At the helm is President Shingo Tsuji, steering a ship that seems to be navigating in the wake of its founder, Minoru Mori’s legacy,...