Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the Liberal Democratic Party have agreed to allow distribution of a one-time benefit to child-rearing households entirely in cash, after earlier insisting that half of it be put in the form of vouchers. While apparently caving in to opposition pressure, the ruling party maintains that its policy remains unchanged, and it still hopes to stimulate the economy through vouchers, which encourage people to make purchases.

A significant reason for Japan’s low turnout in elections is that young people tend not to vote. Many feel the government and particularly the ruling coalition, dominated by older male lawmakers often belonging to political dynasties, has no connection to their lives and concerns.

The new LDP president Fumio Kishida has promised to boost incomes and economically assist those affected by COVID-19, but a general election in November will indicate public approval of these policies and the potential longevity of his administration.

The new LDP leader will need to make the COVID-19 pandemic a top priority. What were the factors behind Suga’s botched handling of the health crisis? This is a crucial question for the new party chief, who will also be Prime Minister.

Multiple contenders including former foreign minister Fumio Kishida are gearing up for the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s abrupt decision to withdraw from the race.

Japan sent Self-Defense Forces aircraft to Afghanistan on Monday to evacuate Japanese citizens and local staff working for its Embassy and other organizations amid uncertainty in the country after the Taliban seized power.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologized on Wednesday for his administration’s request to ask drinks wholesalers to stop supplying liquor to restaurants and bars that defied the ban on serving alcohol under the COVID-19 emergency state.

Joe Biden was sworn in on Wednesday as the 46th president of the United States amid a pandemic at a heavily protected Capitol where a mob stormed the building two weeks earlier.

Twitter announced on Friday that it permanently suspended the account of President Trump after he incited a mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 election results.

Governors in the capital region on Saturday urged the central government to declare another state of emergency following a record surge in COVID-19 cases. Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that the government needs to hear from experts before making a decision.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has drawn criticism on social media for attending a steak dinner with several guests after his government advised the public to avoid big gatherings amid a record spread of the coronavirus.

President-elect Joe Biden called for unity in his victory speech on Saturday night after winning more votes than any other candidate in American history. But Republican President Donald Trump refused to concede, vowing to take the election to the Supreme Court.