Latest news with #UpperHouse
6 hours ago
- Politics
Japan Ruling, Opposition Parties Gearing Up for Upper House Poll
News from Japan Politics Jun 20, 2025 16:53 (JST) Tokyo, June 20 (Jiji Press)--Japanese ruling and opposition parties are gearing up for a House of Councillors election, expected to take place on July 20, as the current parliamentary session ends without an extension on Sunday. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is striving to lead his ruling Liberal Democratic Party to a victory in the Upper House election to keep himself in power after the LDP lost last year's election for the House of Representatives. Opposition parties, which together control the Lower House, aim to win a majority also in the Upper House. The Upper House election will focus on proposals to address rising inflation, including a consumption tax cut and a cash handout. Campaign issues also include political funds and a proposed dual surname system for married couples. In the election for the 248-seat Upper House, 125 seats--75 in constituencies and 50 under proportional representation--will be contested. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates
A supply chain snarl-up has caused a shortage of rice in shops, with the grain's price up 101 per cent on-year in May. PHOTO: AFP TOKYO - Rice prices doubled in May in Japan as core inflation accelerated, official data showed on June 20, posing a threat to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of July elections. The vote for Parliament's Upper House, due in July, is crucial for Mr Ishiba after public support for his government tumbled to its lowest level since he took office in October, partly due to frustration over the cost of living. In May, Japan's core inflation rate, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, hit 3.7 per cent – its highest level since January 2023 – interior ministry data showed. The figure narrowly beat market expectations and was up from a 3.5 per cent year-on-year rise logged in April. Rice was more than twice as expensive as a year previously – despite the government releasing its emergency stockpile of the staple grain to try to bring its price down. A supply chain snarl-up has caused a shortage of rice in shops, with the grain's price up 101 per cent on-year in May, compared to the eye-watering 98 per cent rise in April. The government began releasing stockpiles in February in an attempt to drive down prices, something it has only previously done during disasters. Electricity bills were 11.3 per cent higher in May, and gas fees rose 5.4 per cent, according to June 20's data. Excluding energy and fresh food, Japan's consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.3 per cent, compared to April's 3.0 per cent. Cash handouts To help households combat inflation, Mr Ishiba has pledged cash handouts of 20,000 yen (S$176.92) for every citizen, and twice as much for children, ahead of the election. The 68-year-old leader's coalition was deprived of a majority in the powerful Lower House in October as voters vented their anger at rising prices and political scandals. It was the worst election result in 15 years for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955. Earlier this week, the Bank of Japan kept its interest rates unchanged and said it would taper its purchase of government bonds at a slower pace, as trade uncertainty threatens to weigh on the world's number four economy. 'Policy flip-flops and delayed pass-through from producers to consumers mean inflation will slow only gradually in the coming months,' said Mr Stefan Angrick of Moody's Analytics. 'This will keep a sustained pickup in real wages out of reach, and with it a meaningful uptick in consumption.' Factors behind the rice shortages include an intensely hot and dry summer two years ago that damaged harvests nationwide. Since then some traders have been hoarding rice in a bid to boost their profits down the line, experts say. The issue was made worse by panic-buying in 2024 prompted by a government warning about a potential 'mega quake' that did not strike. Going forward, US tariffs are expected to weigh on Japan's growth, with economists predicting a slowdown ahead. Intensifying fighting between Iran and Israel was also adding pressure for energy prices to head north, posing a further risk to the Japanese economy. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Asahi Shimbun
2 days ago
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
Ishiba leaves G-7 summit with Upper House election on mind
CALGARY, Canada—Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wrapped up his first Group of Seven summit, ready to return to domestic politics, including the Upper House election, but without a deal with the United States to show voters. The G-7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, ended on June 17 without a comprehensive joint declaration by the G-7 leaders. Still, Ishiba said the summit gave him and the other world leaders the opportunity to exchange frank opinions on international affairs, including the situation in the Middle East. 'Through the intensive discussions during these two days, we were able to demonstrate our united G-7 leadership in addressing the various issues facing the international community,' Ishiba said at a news conference in Calgary on June 17. 'It was a great achievement that we were able to issue a leaders' statement in solidarity on important issues, when the world is facing a new turning point.' Ishiba said he discussed topics related to North Korea and disaster prevention. 'We will continue to deepen multi-layered cooperation with our allies and like-minded countries, and we will work hard on diplomacy to protect our country's independence, peace and our people's lives,' he said. The Japanese government had hoped that Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump would reach an agreement at the summit on removing or reducing U.S. tariffs, particularly on automobiles. But no deal was reached. 'I will do everything I can to ensure there is no insufficiency in countermeasures against urgent issues, such as rising prices and responding to U.S. tariffs,' Ishiba said in response to a question about the July 20 Upper House election. Asked how he would respond if opposition parties submitted a no-confidence motion against his Cabinet, Ishiba said, 'I will refrain from commenting on hypothetical questions.' Regarding the ruling coalition's plan to provide 20,000 yen ($138) in cash handouts to every resident, Ishiba said: 'We are also taking measures to combat rising prices. So, please consider this handout as part of our comprehensive strategy.' He also expressed his view that 20,000 yen is 'not a small amount.' In addition, Ishiba frowned on the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's promise for a temporary lifting of the consumption tax on food items as a countermeasure against rising prices. 'A cash handout is much more effective,' Ishiba said. 'We should be extremely cautious about reducing the consumption tax.' (This article was written by Junichiro Ishii and Shinya Tokushima.)
Asahi Shimbun
2 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Law passed to strengthen measures against online casinos
With online gambling in the news recently with reports that professional athletes and entertainers have been using such sites, the Upper House on June 18 strengthened provisions on illegal virtual casinos. Lawmakers passed into law a revision to the basic law on dealing with gambling addiction. Under the revised law, starting new online casino sites, including through smartphone apps, will be banned. In addition, internet ads and social media posts that encourage users to visit virtual casino sites will also be banned. The central and local governments will also be called on to educate the public about the illegality of online gambling sites. It remains to be seen how effective the legal changes will be since there are no penalties for failure to comply with the new provisions. But the stronger provisions mean it will be easier for online site operators to respond to requests by the police to shut down gambling sites. And because many online casino sites are approved for business by foreign governments, the revised law will allow Japanese officials to contact their foreign counterparts and ask that they take action to block access from devices in Japan. According to a study by the National Police Agency, about 3.37 million Japanese have gambled on online casino sites at least once. About 40 percent of those who responded to the study said they were unaware that playing on such sites was illegal. Police have also begun cracking down on operators of online payment systems for their involvement in online casino sites.
Asahi Shimbun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Lawmaker with ALS to retire after paving way for accessibility
Yasuhiko Funago, Japan's first lawmaker with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), announces his retirement as a statesman on June 17. (Naohito Maeda) Yasuhiko Funago, a barrier-breaking member of the Upper House who helped make the Diet more accessible for people with disabilities, announced that he will retire at the end of his current term. Funago, 67, made the announcement on June 17 after serving six years as a lawmaker while living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurological disease that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. The opposition party Reiwa Shinsengumi member cited his age and declining physical strength for deciding not to seek re-election in next month's poll. 'Since taking office, I have seen both physical and institutional accessibility at the Diet improve significantly,' Funago said. 'I'm proud to have helped pave the way for others with serious disabilities to follow.' Funago also offered a critical view of the political establishment, pointing out the unspoken assumption that legislators must be in perfect physical health. 'The Diet is still a place dominated by the notion that only the physically strong can contribute. That mindset borders on eugenics,' he said. 'It's not right for the nation's highest decision-making body to be a place where only a small group of able-bodied men can perform their duties.' Funago was elected in 2019 through a system that allows political parties to prioritize certain candidates for proportional representation, regardless of their individual vote totals. Appearing in the chamber in a reclining wheelchair and on a ventilator, he has since become a powerful symbol of inclusion in Japanese politics. Due to his inability to speak orally, Funago participated in parliamentary debates using a computer-generated voice to read pre-written text or by having his aide read speeches he composed using a character board. Issues that Funago addressed throughout his term include the controversial practice of rejecting students from public high schools even when slot were available. His advocacy helped prompt a nationwide survey by the education ministry. He also called for changes to health ministry regulations that limited the use of personal care assistants during working hours. Reiwa Shinsengumi party leader Taro Yamamoto expressed deep gratitude for Funago's service. 'Just his presence in the Diet prompted important discussions,' Yamamoto said. 'He showed the nation that it is possible to participate in politics and drive change, no matter the circumstances.'
