{"id":12516,"date":"2025-02-06T07:07:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T07:07:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/?p=12516"},"modified":"2025-02-06T08:34:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T08:34:03","slug":"japanese-politics-updates-february-2-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-february-2-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Politics Updates &#8211; February 2, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12516\" class=\"elementor elementor-12516\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff07d97 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ff07d97\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/_YtqUpljp3M\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3309479 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3309479\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/live\\\/_YtqUpljp3M&quot;,&quot;show_image_overlay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;image_overlay&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/langleyesquire.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/208-Japanese-politics-Thumbnail.png&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:12519,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Japanese Politics Updates, Japanese Politics One-on-One #208, February 2, 2025&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;library&quot;},&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/208-Japanese-politics-Thumbnail.png);\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-custom-embed-play\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play Video about Japanese Politics Updates, Japanese Politics One-on-One #208, February 2, 2025\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-play\" viewbox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M838 162C746 71 633 25 500 25 371 25 258 71 163 162 71 254 25 367 25 500 25 633 71 746 163 837 254 929 367 979 500 979 633 979 746 933 838 837 929 746 975 633 975 500 975 367 929 254 838 162M808 192C892 279 933 379 933 500 933 621 892 725 808 808 725 892 621 938 500 938 379 938 279 896 196 808 113 725 67 621 67 500 67 379 108 279 196 192 279 108 383 62 500 62 621 62 721 108 808 192M438 392V642L642 517 438 392Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5dcd0e8e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5dcd0e8e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35fa4a47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35fa4a47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p><strong>Hello fellow Japan-Hands and welcome to the four-year anniversary episode of Japanese Politics One-on-One. Thank you so much for being part of the audience. Here are the latest developments in Japanese politics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Week closed at 155.2\u00a5\/$;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Upcoming Event<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Feb 13th: Langley Esquire&#8217;s Briefing on how Lobbying and advocacy impacts business in Japan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image uagb-block-7baf41f4 wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-none\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"uag-image-12517\" title=\"Screenshot 2025-02-03 at 11.44.33\" role=\"img\" src=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-11.44.33-1024x661.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-11.44.33-1024x661.png ,https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-11.44.33.png 780w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-11.44.33.png 360w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1762\" height=\"1138\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Book your seat <a href=\"https:\/\/buy.stripe.com\/aEU3cUaOycE2cNy28f\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0We are looking forward to seeing you there!<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-budget-committee-deliberations-begin-amid-political-tensions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Budget Committee Deliberations Begin Amid Political Tensions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>After delays, the Diet&#8217;s Budget Committee finally began deliberations on Friday. The deliberations, however, are stalled by opposition demands\u2014particularly from the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP)\u2014for the LDP\u2019s former Accountant to testify on party finances. The LDP ultimately agreed to &#8220;encourage&#8221; Matsumoto Junichiro (77) to testify on February 10. Despite this, as a private citizen, he can refuse, which is likely to prolong the issue.<\/p>\n\n<p>For the first time in 30 years, an opposition member (not just non-LDP but anti-LDP!) chairs the Committee, which has the power to summon Diet members. With the LDP-Komeito coalition holding only 24 of 50 seats, opposition pressure is strong, and a deadlock could see the CDP chairman casting the deciding vote. The Budget must pass the Lower House by March 2 before moving to the Upper House, which has 30 days for review. If rejected, the Lower House can still enact it, making current negotiations crucial.<\/p>\n\n<p>This marks the first time in three decades the LDP must negotiate with opposition parties like this. Last year, then-budget committee chair Itsunori Onodera rammed the Budget through without issue. Under CDP\u2019s Jun Azumi, however, the opposition-controlled Committee is proving to be an obstacle. The LDP initially tried to block Accountant Matsumoto\u2019s testimony, citing a need for unanimous approval to summon a private citizen. Regardless, Komeito refused to back the LDP demand (!?!), forcing the LDP to concede. Without enforcement power, however, the Accountant\u2019s appearance remains doubtful, adding to LDP\u2019s difficulties (and enhancing the suspicions!).<\/p>\n\n<p>Komeito\u2019s stance underscores tensions in the coalition. Frustrated by the LDP\u2019s failure to restore public trust after the money scandal, Komeito has taken the unprecedented step of fielding a candidate in Tokyo\u2019s 21st district, breaking a 21-year pact to avoid vote-splitting. Beyond Tokyo, the scandal is weakening the LDP in Hyogo, exposing internal fractures there, too. With elections in June, LDP\u2019s standing is increasingly uncertain.<\/p>\n\n<p>With only 28 days to pass the budget, the LDP faces tough concessions to the opposition. Meanwhile, internal divisions and public frustration mount. If the process stalls, it could escalate into a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ishiba (maybe even pretty soon!). A collapse of the LDP-Komeito alliance will reshape the political landscape. This will make the LDP\u2019s grip on power more fragile than it has been in decades.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-further-political-developments-looking-ahead-to-ishiba-s-u-s-visit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Further Political Developments &#8211; Looking Ahead to Ishiba\u2019s U.S. Visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Defense Minister Gen Nakatani talked with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday, discussing joint exercises near the Senkaku Islands, a flashpoint in Japan-China tensions. Strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance remains a top priority ahead of Prime Minister Ishiba\u2019s visit to Washington this Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p>Former LDP Secretary General Motegi\u2019s recent dinner meeting with ~70 lawmakers suggests factional realignments following the LDP funding scandal. With the only officially recognized faction being Aso\u2019s, Motegi\u2019s influence appears to be growing. Meanwhile, Komeito\u2019s dissatisfaction with the LDP\u2019s handling of the scandal signals potential fractures in their coalition. It has also raised uncertainty as the budget deadline approaches. If the budget doesn\u2019t pass the Lower House by March 2, a no-confidence motion could follow, triggering an early election.<\/p>\n\n<p>Adding to the complexity, Trump\u2019s expanded tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada are disrupting global supply chains. This is impacting Japan\u2019s economic strategy (and sending shivers throughout Kasumigaseki). Ishiba will likely address these economic concerns during his meeting with Trump, alongside security issues. With political uncertainty growing and a possible Lower House election in June, Japan\u2019s domestic and diplomatic maneuvering will be closely watched.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-regional-elections-reflect-japan-s-political-climate-amid-ldp-struggles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Regional Elections Reflect Japan\u2019s Political Climate Amid LDP Struggles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Recent regional elections in Japan provide insight into the public\u2019s political sentiment amid ongoing turmoil in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In Kitakyushu, the LDP lost three seats in the local assembly. The voter turnout there was at a low 17%, possibly indicating public disengagement. Meanwhile, in Okinawa\u2019s Ginowan mayoral race, the LDP-backed candidate, Atsushi Sakima, won, securing support for the controversial relocation of U.S. Marines to Henoko.<\/p>\n\n<p>In gubernatorial races, Yamagata\u2019s incumbent governor, Mieko Yoshimura, secured a historic fifth term with broad party support. At the same time in Gifu, independent Yoshihide Esaki, backed by major parties including the LDP, also won. These mixed results suggest that while the LDP faces significant challenges, it still retains influence in key regions. Still, it is a delicate time.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-japan-s-foreign-workforce-hits-record-high-for-12th-consecutive-year\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Japan\u2019s Foreign Workforce Hits Record High for 12th Consecutive Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Japan\u2019s foreign workforce has hit a record high for the 12th consecutive year, reaching 2.3 million as of October 2024. This is a 12.4% increase from the previous year. Vietnamese workers make up the largest group, accounting for 10% of the total. Mea while workers from Myanmar and Indonesia saw the most significant growth, rising by 61% and 39%, respectively.<\/p>\n\n<p>Manufacturing remains the dominant sector for foreign labor, employing over 26% of all foreign workers. 88.3% of them engaged in industrial work.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-fuji-tv-scandal-costs-billions-as-executives-face-intense-scrutiny\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fuji TV Scandal Costs Billions as Executives Face Intense Scrutiny<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Fuji Television has lost over 23 billion yen in revenue. This is due to a scandal involving former SMAP member Nakai, who was accused of sexual assault and reportedly paid out a settlement of 90 million yen. The controversy raised concerns over accountability in Japan\u2019s entertainment and corporate sectors. Fuji TV\u2019s initial response was evasive, leading to sponsor withdrawals. In an effort to regain trust, executives held a record-breaking 10.5-hour press conference, which earned some public respect. Nakai has retired, and a final report is expected in March. The scandal has already led to leadership changes at Fuji TV.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-north-korea-advances-missile-capabilities-with-underwater-launch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>North Korea Advances Missile Capabilities with Underwater Launch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>North Korea launched two cruise missiles on January 27, both which flew for two hours, covering over 1,500 kilometers in a figure-eight pattern before splashing down in a targeted area. This suggests advancements in North Korea\u2019s submarine and missile technology, raising security concerns for Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. The geopolitical implications of this test could influence regional security strategies. This could happen particularly as Japan\u2019s Prime Minister prepares to report on his meeting with Donald Trump.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-questions-from-the-audience-addressed-exclusively-during-the-briefing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Questions from the Audience Addressed Exclusively During the Briefing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What was really at the root of the recent LDP money scandals?<\/li>\n\n<li>Does the LDP lack a clear strategy to resolve the ongoing alleged kickback scandal? Or are some within the party deliberately allowing the issue to linger as a political maneuver\u2014perhaps to undermine other leaders? Additionally, could the new CDP budget committee chair be prolonging the controversy to maximize the LDP\u2019s embarrassment ahead of the summer election?<\/li>\n\n<li>Has the Diet ever enacted a continuing resolution to keep funding the central government budget at the previous year&#8217;s level for a few months?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b72c76f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b72c76f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5c4ae3 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"d5c4ae3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ade7c0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5ade7c0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8cf605b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8cf605b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Are you familiar with \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLdFBN0Nedy2yMBKgkglb1AE_GWdKBNZUn\">Tokyo on Fire<\/a>\u201d? Episodes are available on YouTube \u201cLangley Esquire\u201d: excruciatingly-gained insights sifted over 40 years in-country! Entertainingly presented.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLD_K55pXIzjVDaktKOW32EkBCaACZz7gH\">Japanese Politics One-on-One<\/a>\u201d episodes are on YouTube \u201cJapan Expert Insights\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>If you gain insight from these briefings, consider a tailored one for your Executive Team or for passing-through-Tokyo heavyweights.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>To learn more about advocacy in Japan, read our article \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/the-dynamics-of-lobbying-in-japan\/\">Understanding the Dynamics of Lobbying in Japan<\/a>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35fa559 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"35fa559\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02bd3f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"02bd3f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"7923\" class=\"elementor elementor-7923\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2827954c elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2827954c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-249c62ad\" data-id=\"249c62ad\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7245daef elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7245daef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Join the Success!<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ec08f77 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1ec08f77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">Experience exceptional, personalized solutions designed to meet your business&#8217;s specific needs. Discover how we can elevate your operations to the next level.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71100ba3 elementor-align-center elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"71100ba3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-lg elementor-animation-grow\" href=\"\/ja\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-envelope\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M502.3 190.8c3.9-3.1 9.7-.2 9.7 4.7V400c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V195.6c0-5 5.7-7.8 9.7-4.7 22.4 17.4 52.1 39.5 154.1 113.6 21.1 15.4 56.7 47.8 92.2 47.6 35.7.3 72-32.8 92.3-47.6 102-74.1 131.6-96.3 154-113.7zM256 320c23.2.4 56.6-29.2 73.4-41.4 132.7-96.3 142.8-104.7 173.4-128.7 5.8-4.5 9.2-11.5 9.2-18.9v-19c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H48C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112v19c0 7.4 3.4 14.3 9.2 18.9 30.6 23.9 40.7 32.4 173.4 128.7 16.8 12.2 50.2 41.8 73.4 41.4z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">CONTACT US<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a60e583 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a60e583\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5dcbc4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f5dcbc4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/insights-and-media\/\">Insights &amp; Analyses<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe696db e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fe696db\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e53bdf elementor-grid-4 elementor-grid-tablet-2 elementor-grid-mobile-1 elementor-posts--thumbnail-top elementor-card-shadow-yes elementor-posts__hover-gradient elementor-widget elementor-widget-posts\" data-id=\"1e53bdf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;cards_columns&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;cards_columns_tablet&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;cards_columns_mobile&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;cards_row_gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:35,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;cards_row_gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;cards_row_gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"posts.cards\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-posts-container elementor-posts elementor-posts--skin-cards elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-13644 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-politics\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__card\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260405\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" ><div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Japanese-politics-269-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-13645\" alt=\"Japanese Politics Updates, Japanese Politics One-on-One #269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Japanese-politics-269-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Japanese-politics-269-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Japanese-politics-269-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Japanese-politics-269-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Japanese-politics-269.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__badge\">Politics<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260405\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tJapanese Politics Updates &#8211;  April 5, 2026\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260405\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Japanese Politics Updates &#8211;  April 5, 2026\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\t2026\u5e744\u67086\u65e5\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t\u30b3\u30e1\u30f3\u30c8\u306f\u307e\u3060\u3042\u308a\u307e\u305b\u3093\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-13636 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-politics\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__card\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260329\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" ><div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Japanese-politics-268-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-13637\" alt=\"Japanese Politics Updates; Japanese Politics One-on-One #268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Japanese-politics-268-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Japanese-politics-268-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Japanese-politics-268-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Japanese-politics-268-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Japanese-politics-268.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__badge\">Politics<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260329\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tJapanese Politics One-on-One &#8211; March 29, 2026\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260329\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Japanese Politics One-on-One &#8211; March 29, 2026\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\t2026\u5e743\u670831\u65e5\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t\u30b3\u30e1\u30f3\u30c8\u306f\u307e\u3060\u3042\u308a\u307e\u305b\u3093\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-13623 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-politics\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__card\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260322\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" ><div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-22-Japanese-politics-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-13624\" alt=\"Japanese Politics Updates, Japanese Politics One-on-One #267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-22-Japanese-politics-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-22-Japanese-politics-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-22-Japanese-politics-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-22-Japanese-politics-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-22-Japanese-politics.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__badge\">Politics<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260322\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tJapanese Politics Updates &#8211; March 22, 2026\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-20260322\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Japanese Politics Updates &#8211; March 22, 2026\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\t2026\u5e743\u670824\u65e5\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t\u30b3\u30e1\u30f3\u30c8\u306f\u307e\u3060\u3042\u308a\u307e\u305b\u3093\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-12891 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-public-policy\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__card\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japan-pursues-a-military-industrial-policy\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" ><div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" src=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-19.55.01-300x168.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-13147\" alt=\"Japan Pursues Military Industrial Complex\" srcset=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-19.55.01-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-19.55.01-1024x574.png 1024w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-19.55.01-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-19.55.01.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__badge\">Public Policy<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japan-pursues-a-military-industrial-policy\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tJapan pursues a Military Industrial Policy\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japan-pursues-a-military-industrial-policy\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Japan pursues a Military Industrial Policy\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\t2026\u5e743\u670820\u65e5\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t\u30b3\u30e1\u30f3\u30c8\u306f\u307e\u3060\u3042\u308a\u307e\u305b\u3093\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello fellow Japan-Hands and welcome to the four-year anniversary episode of Japanese Politics One-on-One. Thank you so much for being part of the audience. Here<\/p>","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12519,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[255],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Japanese Politics Updates - February 2, 2025<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this briefing: budget deliberations dynamics, regional elections, LDP struggles, PM Ishiba&#039;s US visit, political tensions continue to mount\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"\/ja\/https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-february-2-2025\/\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"ja_JP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Japanese Politics Updates - February 2, 2025\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In this briefing: budget deliberations dynamics, regional elections, LDP struggles, PM Ishiba&#039;s US visit, political tensions continue to mount\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"\/ja\/https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-february-2-2025\/\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Langley Esquire Government Relations &amp; 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