Tremendous change is in the air — the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will hold a leadership election for Sept. 29. What will happen?
Japan’s Ministry of Finance will soon release the budget for the fiscal year that begins next April. The spending package has taken on added significance with the new coronavirus pandemic weighing on the economy. The budget will also offer a look at how seriously the Suga administration is pursuing its stated priorities, such as advancing digitization and advanced communications.
Suga to have a digital agency up and running by the end of 2021. Each ministry previously tackled digitization independently, leading to varying levels of success and end products, and no standardized administrative framework. The new agency will coordinate and unify efforts to modernize government services.
In June the Japanese Diet passed legislation governing the creation and management of smart cities — urban centers that use cutting-edge technology to improve livability and convenience.
International travel has ground to a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To slow the spread of the virus, since April 2020 Japan, more than other G7 nations, has implemented stringent entry requirements for foreign nationals.
The new cabinet was formed by Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide on September 16, 2020. With a lot of familiar faces at familiar posts, the Suga cabinet contains few surprises. It is a clear indication of Suga’s commitment to maintain Abe-era policies and priorities.
Despite his victories, Abe’s success could never match his ambition, and he leaves office with several objectives unfulfilled. Nonetheless, he leaves Japan changed in ways both big and small.
Langley Esquire’s CEO & representative director Timothy Langley reflects upon his experience in the Japanese National Diet working alongside former Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama.
Even as Tokyo and its surroundings face a steady increase in cases, there is little indication from either the national or prefectural government that another state of emergency is imminent.
This year, the 201st Diet Session will convene on January 20th, and is scheduled to finish on June 17th. This month’s edition of Policy Radar focuses on incentives for the development of technology, policy developments in the Finance Ministry, and regulatory changes for integrated resorts.
This year’s Diet session has seen the ratification of the new U.S. trade agreement, amendments to the National Strategic Zone Law, sustainable whaling, and labor laws.
This month’s edition focuses on the lineup of the new Cabinet, policy developments in the data and energy industries, and Japan’s effort to combat climate change.
In 1982, Timothy Langley was featured on CBS Morning News as the first foreigner to become an aide to a Japanese Diet member, Taro Nakayama.
