[Event] A Preview of the LDP Leadership Election with Timothy Langley
Tremendous change is in the air — the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will hold a leadership election for Sept. 29. What will happen?
Follow the Money: Understanding Suga’s Priorities in Japan’s Next Record Budget
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.
The Digital Agency— Why Japan’s most Recent Modernization Push Is Serious
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.
Japan’s Smart Cities Promise New Tie-Ups with High-Tech Firms
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.
Japan Slowly Rolls Back Entry Restrictions for Foreign Nationals
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.
Suga Cabinet Profiles 2021
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.
Abe’s Legacy: Japan Transformed After Eight Years in Office
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.
両天秤―菅政権における日中関係・日米関係―
安倍首相の退任に従い、世界はコロナウイルスの流行以来初めてのG7加盟国の政権交代に備えています。次期総理の最有力候補である菅義偉氏は、国政での経験と才能があるものの、官房長官時代に培ったスキルを外交の場で発揮できるかが注目されます。ここでは、菅氏が首相となった場合に考えられる日米関係・日中関係への影響についてお話しします。
Discovering the Key Link in Japanese Policymaking
Understanding and accessing the civil service is crucial to successful government relations in Japan. Career bureaucrats at the government agencies and ministries are among the most influential policymakers in the country.
Mr. Langley Goes to Tokyo — a History of Politics & Advocacy in Japan
Langley Esquire’s CEO & representative director Timothy Langley reflects upon his experience in the Japanese National Diet working alongside former Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama.
Why a Second Tokyo Shutdown Is Unlikely – Politics Behind the Pandemic
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.