Liberal Democratic Party
Coverage of Liberal Democratic Party in the Nexus archive.
- Japan's Takaichi skips controversial Yasukuni Shrine visit on anniversary of World War II surrender
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stayed away from Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of World War II surrender, addressing that Japan contributes to global peace while avoiding discussion of wartime atrocities. She mourned victims in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa, and those who perished overseas. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and executives from Takaichi's governing party visited the controversial shrine earlier on.
- Japan's defense chief visits shrine neighbors see as symbol of Japanese militarism
The Japanese defense minister prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, an act seen by Asian neighbors as symbolizing Japan's past militarism. This visit is criticized by China and South Korea for showing a lack of remorse over wartime atrocities. The event intensified tensions amid discussions about increasing military capability under the government.
- Japan’s ruling party MPs form group to protect US$2.1 billion trading card market
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers have formed a group to promote the $2.1 billion trading card industry, aiming to address issues like counterfeit cards and bulk purchases while enhancing market transparency for global expansion.
- Nostalgia hinders Takaichi’s vision for Japan
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces challenges as nostalgia hinders her vision for Japan. Concerns about her ambitions and the US-Japan security alliance dominate elite discussions. She secured a large majority for her party in recent elections.
- Backlash in Japan over Fukuoka officials’ costly overseas ‘research trips’
Fukuoka officials in Japan are facing public backlash over costly overseas 'research trips' to Paris and London, including hotel upgrades, amid rising household expenses. The controversies are pressuring Governor Seitaro Hattori and the local Liberal Democratic Party chapter.
- Japan enacts law to punish national flag vandals. Opponents say it’s a threat to free speech
Japan enacted a law to punish desecration of its national flag, with opponents arguing it threatens free speech. The law imposes penalties including up to two years in prison for actions causing extreme discomfort, sparking debate over vague wording and potential government overreach.
- Japan LDP Seeks to Rein in ‘Excessive’ Activist Proposals
A Japanese ruling party panel is calling for stricter limits on shareholder rights, arguing that existing regulations encourage what it sees as 'excessive' activist proposals and the pursuit of short-term profits.
- UK's Lib Dems say they scored on pubs' added time
The UK's Liberal Democratic Party claims credit for securing late pub-closing times during the England World Cup match against Mexico by pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to adjust licensing rules. The party now advocates for a knighthood for England striker Harry Kane.
- 'My dream is broken': Japan visa rules push out foreign residents
Japan's tightened visa rules, including a 30 million yen capital requirement for business manager visas, threaten foreign restaurant owners like Nepalese national Budhathoki Samjhana, who fears expulsion despite contributing to Tokyo's immigrant communities. The policy, introduced by the Liberal Democratic Party in late 2025, faces criticism for targeting thriving businesses and families in areas like Okubo, driven by concerns over overtourism and land prices.
- New Japan visa rules threaten to force out foreign business owners: ‘my dream is broken’
Japan's tightened business manager visa rules threaten foreign business owners like Nepalese national Budhathoki Samjhana, who may lose her Tokyo restaurant despite Japan's labor shortages. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party introduced the stricter visa requirements in late 2025 amid growing immigration opposition.
- Wartime apology author and Japan-China ‘bridge’ Yohei Kono dies at 89
Yohei Kono, a political figure known for his 1993 apology to 'comfort women' forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II, died at 89. He was a moderate voice in Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and served as a backchannel between Japan and China.
- Japanese IT head says he made AI videos to smear Takaichi’s rivals during party poll
The head of a Japanese IT firm admitted to creating AI-generated videos to criticize rivals of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during last year’s Liberal Democratic Party presidential election. He was consulted by a Takaichi aide on reversing the lead of a strong contender, Shinjiro Koizumi.
- Japan’s Ruling Party Pushes On-Chain Finance Plan to Protect Yen
Japan's ruling party proposes an on-chain finance plan to modernize payments and reduce reliance on foreign rails, utilizing stablecoins and tokenized deposits. The plan aims to protect the yen. This move could impact Japan's financial sector and its dependence on international systems.
- Japan’s ruling party advances proposal to build national AI-blockchain financial system
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has approved a proposal to build a next-generation financial system based on blockchain and AI technology. The system aims to utilize artificial intelligence and blockchain for secure and efficient transactions. This move is expected to strengthen Japan's financial infrastructure.