In a country with tight gun laws and little violence, the killing of the former prime minister left many in stunned disbelief. “It’s so un-Japanese.”
Author: MOTOKO RICH
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister, Dies at 67
Mr. Abe was shot on Friday during a campaign event. Before he left office in 2020, he helped pull his country out of economic malaise but fell short of his most cherished goal: to normalize Japan’s military after decades of postwar pacifism.
Chie Hayakawa Imagines a Japan Where the Elderly Volunteer to Die
The premise for Chie Hayakawa’s film, “Plan 75,” is shocking: a government push to euthanize the elderly. In a rapidly aging society, some also wonder: Is the movie prescient?
With Threats All Around, Japan Moves to Shed Its Pacifist Constraints
Growing calls for more military spending after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrate Japan’s recognition that it must bolster its own deterrent power, not just rely on its U.S. alliance.
‘Drive My Car’ Oscar Is a Slow-Burn Return for Japan’s Cinema
But some of the same qualities that made the film popular overseas have led to a cooler reception domestically.
Who Is the New Leader of Japan’s Ruling Party?
Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister, prevailed in a closely fought election to lead Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party.
Japan Faces Big Problems. Its Next Leader Offers Few Bold Solutions.
The country’s governing party, with a stranglehold on power, bucked the wishes of the public to select a moderate mainstay.
Who Is Fumio Kishida, the New Leader of Japan’s Ruling Party?
Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister, prevailed in a closely fought election to lead Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party.
Why Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Is Likely to Stay in Power
The country has free elections, opposition parties and, lately, public discontent. So why are the Liberal Democrats nearly assured to remain in power?
Taro Kono, Japan’s Most Popular Prime Minister Candidate, Far From a Shoo-In
Taro Kono has by far the highest poll numbers of any candidate to lead the governing Liberal Democrats. But party elders don’t think so highly of him.