Japan’s new government plans to form a digital agency to accelerate seamless sharing of information. Creating the agency is a key pledge Prime Minister Suga made during the LDP leadership election.

Japan’s longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that he decided to step down due to worsening health conditions. His recent hospital visits raised speculation as to whether he could stay in the post until next year.

Sen. Kamala Harris, whose mother emigrated from India and father from Jamaica, accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president on Wednesday. She became the first woman of color to run on a major party ticket. 

Four Japanese cabinet ministers visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the country’s surrender in World War II. The shrine, which honors Class A war criminals, is seen as a symbol of Tokyo’s past militarism by its neighbors.

Former Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai, who was arrested on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Law, has admitted to giving out cash to local lawmakers and supporters. However, he said he did not intend to buy votes for his wife’s Upper House election campaign last July.