{"id":12695,"date":"2025-03-20T03:25:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T03:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/?p=12695"},"modified":"2025-03-20T03:35:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T03:35:36","slug":"japanese-politics-updates-march-16-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-march-16-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Politics Updates &#8211; March 16, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12695\" class=\"elementor elementor-12695\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c07304 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5c07304\" 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-f85fd53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"f85fd53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/live\\\/xf7GwmhmzFk&quot;,&quot;show_image_overlay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;image_overlay&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/langleyesquire.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/2025-03-16-Japanese-politics-Thumbnail.png&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:12696,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Japanese Politics Updates, Japanese Politics One-on-One #214, March, 16, 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\/03\/2025-03-16-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=\"\u52d5\u753b\u3092\u518d\u751f Japanese Politics Updates, Japanese Politics One-on-One #214, March, 16, 2025\" tabindex=\"0\" data-no-translation-aria-label=\"\">\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<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-601e8d9e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"601e8d9e\" 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-5050f0ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5050f0ad\" 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><\/p>\n<p>Thank you for tuning-in, fellow Japan Hands! Here is your weekly update on what transpired of keenest interest over this last week in Japanese politics (and the like). The live version is on Sunday mornings (Tokyo). Since not everyone can join here is a brief synopsis. Broadcasting on this rainy day not from the deck of sailing vessel Gryms, but instead from the back seat of my car so I can be closer (and drier!) to a viable WIFI signal\u2026 just for you:<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Yen<\/strong>\u00a0closed at $\/\u00a5148.64, weakening just a tad from last week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prime Minister Ishiba&#8217;s leadership crisis<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>PM Ishiba is facing significant political turmoil and challenges within the LDP due to two self-inflicted mis-steps. The the most serious one occured just three days ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>Voucher Scandal<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0Ishiba\u2019s gifting of \u00a5100,000 vouchers ($670) to 15 first-term LDP lawmakers drew heavy criticism amid existing financial scandals. All recipients returned the vouchers, generating significant political damage.<strong><u>Budget Crisis<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0Delays and two historic amendments to the budget have exposed PM Ishiba&#8217;s vulnerability. Initially scheduled for passage on\u00a0<strong>March 2<\/strong>, passage from the Lower House was delayed to\u00a0<strong>March 5<\/strong>\u00a0and then faced even further disruptions in the Upper House.\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>Medical Co-payment Reversal<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0Strong opposition forced PM Ishiba to abandon plans to increase patients&#8217; out-of-pocket expenses\u2014a major setback undermining his authority.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>Public Call for Resignation<\/u><\/strong>: an influential Upper House LDP member publicly demanded Ishiba step down\u2014a stark indication of internal party fractures and eroding support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ishiba&#8217;s future looks increasingly uncertain, with internal critics and external opposition seizing opportunities to weaken his position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>US-Japan Relations\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trump&#8217;s Pressure Escalates as<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>his second term impacts bilateral relations:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Former\u00a0<strong>Ambassador<\/strong>\u00a0to Portugal and Trump loyalist George Glass is expected to be confirmed as Ambassador to Japan soon. He espouses increased defense spending, and says he will push for higher contributions to US military costs, address Japan\u2019s trade imbalances, and point-out Japan\u2019s currency manipulation, his testimony reveals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><u>Tariff Standoff<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Japan\u2019s appeals in two separate instances this week, by two separate Ministers of State (in Canada &amp; in D.C.), to ease US tariffs on steel and aluminum (25%) were rebuffed, with threats looming over automotive exports, too \u2014 a critical sector for Japan\u2019s economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><u>Currency Volatility<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The yen fluctuated notably, strengtening and then weakening to $\/<strong>\u00a5148.64<\/strong>\u00a0amid economic uncertainties and looming tariff threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anniversary of March 11 Tripple Disaster<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Japan commemorated 14 years since the devastating 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima disaster.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over\u00a0<strong>22,000 lives<\/strong>\u00a0lost, 90% from drowning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>27,000 locals remain displaced<\/strong><strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>with Tohoku\u2019s recovery still incomplete.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Controversial plans to redistribute radioactive soil elsewhere throughout the region face significant public resistance, as expecte).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Promises of rural revitalization under Ishiba remain largely unfulfilled, highlighting persistent regional neglect and doubts about his leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rengo&#8217;s Wage Negotiations\u00a0<em>(Shunto)<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Spring wage negotiations yielded (so far) a record\u00a0<strong>5.46% increase<\/strong><strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0highest since 1991:<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Toyota<\/strong>\u00a0will boost\u00a0monthly\u00a0salaries by \u00a510,000 ($67). The company will also provide a substantial bonus package equivalent to ~7.6 months for this year!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Despite these future gains, household spending growth remains extremely sluggish. Estimates for the last three months of 2024 (2.8%) were revised down to 2.2%, sending the yen reeling mid-week.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Bank of Japan also reported growth of only\u00a0<strong>0.8% in January when it was predicted to be at 3.7%<\/strong><strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0dampening the broader economic outlook amid persistent inflation. This trend continues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Bank of Japan\u2019s monthly two day meeting is this next week on Wednesday\/Thursday: expect some pronouncements of importance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stockpiles of rice held by the Japanese government went on auction this week. They will now enter the stream of commerce quickly in order to counter the enormous price rise in this staple over the last 3 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-election-watch-amp-possible-instability-double-election-speculation-grows\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Election Watch &amp; Possible Instability: Double Election Speculation Grows<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speculation about a possible double election intensifies as Japan approaches the critical Upper House elections:<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The LDP lacks a secure majority in the Lower House and faces a shaky coalition with Komeito. LDP\u2019s precarious position in the Lower House and the potential loss of their slim Upper House majority (+18 \/ 248 while in the Lower House -13\/465) could trigger demands for a double election.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opposition parties, including Ishin-no-Kai but particularly Mr. Tamaki\u2019s DPFP, sense vulnerability and are eager for a political rematch. Heated words are flying inside the Diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Results from the upcoming Tokyo Metropolitan elections will be closely watched as a critical indicator, occuring as they do mere weeks before the Upper House elections start. Opposition parties are packing candidates for challenging LDP-held seats. In the meantime, Komei-to has decided to run some candidates in formerly \u2018secured\u2019 LDP districts. All is in turmoil.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Common Nagatacho wisdom is that, if you need to change the PM, it is better for elections to execute this change immediately in order to put enough space inbetween the change-event (or attempt) and the election. In our current case, this means immediately after the Budget passes. The Upper House election is a mere three months away!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-osaka-expo-2025\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Osaka Expo 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Political and Diplomatic Stakes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Governor Yoshimura (also the head of Ishin-no-kai) struggles to boost ticket sales for Osaka Expo 2025, seeking crucial LDP support. Expo success, however, could significantly elevate Ishin-no-Kai\u2019s political standing. Meanwhile, Tthe US delegation&#8217;s potential representation by VP J.D. Vance underscores diplomatic importance, shaping bilateral relations.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-st-patrick-s-day-celebrations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>St. Patrick\u2019s Day Celebrations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Notable cultural festivities, including Asia&#8217;s largest Irish parade in Omotesando, illustrate Japan\u2019s global cultural engagement.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-shohei-ohtani-amp-mlb-tokyo-opener\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shohei Ohtani &amp; MLB Tokyo Opener<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring probably the greatest baseball player in history Ohtani, will open MLB season at Tokyo Dome against the Chicago Clubs, signifying strong U.S.-Japan cultural ties and sports diplomacy. The two NBA teams will play two exhibition games and two season games right here in Tokyo!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-legislative-controversies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legislative Controversies<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The surname law debate continues. There is sharp internal divisions within the LDP and between coalition partners regarding allowing married couples to chose separate surnames. This controversy and that of political contributions are rifting the LDP into separate camps.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\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<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PM Ishiba giving \u00a5100,000 gift-vouchers to 15 first-term LDP lawmakers\u2014how does this impact the 2025 budget and the LDP\/Komeito relationship with Ishin-no-Kai? Doesn\u2019t this voucher-gifting infringe on the Political Funds Control Law?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The whole Western bloc is being reordered\u2014from Eastern Europe to Canada to Japan. Do you think there\u2019s an existing political leader in Japan able to handle this change? Or will someone new rise to meet this moment? If it&#8217;s someone unknown, what would that look like within Japan&#8217;s political system?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Japanese frigate, stelth-type Mogami Class &#8216;Noshio&#8217; is currently visiting Australia\u2014what does this visit mean at this particular time?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why does the Japanese government want to revive a military-industrial complex rather than developing another industry that doesn&#8217;t involve killing people?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How about giving everyone in Japan \u00a5100,000 as a handout instead? Wouldn&#8217;t that be more helpful for the economy?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Australia will buy stealth frigate technology from Japan\u2014does this indicate that Japan is moving forward with its military export ambitions under the current geopolitical situation?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why can&#8217;t Japan use more imagination to find alternative industries instead of focusing on weapons development and military spending?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does Prime Minister Ishiba have any good advisors who could prevent him from making controversial decisions like gifting vouchers to lawmakers?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Final Thoughts: Japan at a Pivotal Moment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ishiba\u2019s leadership faces severe threats from within and outside the LDP; ready to snap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Economic tensions with the US are escalating, casting a pall over Japan\u2019s stability. You can increasingly sense it in everyday life, this uncomfortable lack of certainty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With key elections looming, the possibility of significant political shifts is higher than ever.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Stay informed and engaged as we track these unfolding developments. Your continued interaction strengthens our community.\u00a0<strong>Like, Comment, and Share\u00a0<\/strong>on these updates as your feedback drives improvement and ensures we deliver the insights you need! Plus, it is just nice to hear from you.<\/p>\n<p><\/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-6d86aba e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6d86aba\" 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-ab8a7e6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"ab8a7e6\" 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-84e68d0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"84e68d0\" 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-99a531a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"99a531a\" 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-9941589 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9941589\" 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-36d3546 elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"36d3546\" 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\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/xf7GwmhmzFk Thank you for tuning-in, fellow Japan Hands! Here is your weekly update on what transpired of keenest interest over this last week in Japanese politics (and the like). The live version is on Sunday mornings (Tokyo). Since not everyone can join here is a brief synopsis. Broadcasting on this rainy day not from the deck of sailing vessel Gryms, but instead from the back seat of my car so I can be closer (and drier!) to a viable WIFI signal\u2026 just for you: The Yen\u00a0closed at $\/\u00a5148.64, weakening just a tad from last week. Prime Minister Ishiba&#8217;s leadership crisis PM Ishiba is facing significant political turmoil and challenges within [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12696,"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-12695","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 - March 16, 2025<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this session: political instability, shunt negotiations, inflation, economic woes, PM Ishiba&#039;s gift vouchers, Osaka Expo\" \/>\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-march-16-2025\/\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"ja_JP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Japanese Politics Updates - March 16, 2025\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In this session: political instability, shunt negotiations, inflation, economic woes, PM Ishiba&#039;s gift vouchers, Osaka Expo\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"\/ja\/https:\/\/langleyesquire.com\/ja\/japanese-politics-updates-march-16-2025\/\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Langley Esquire Government Relations &amp; 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