Two women, both running as independents, are leading in the polls. Yuriko Koike, the incumbent governor, is backed by the Liberal Democratic Party, and Renho Saito, who enjoys the support of the Constitutional Democratic Party. While the ruling party is still facing criticism over recent scandals, the opposition does not seem sufficiently united. Tomorrow's vote could set the stage for next parliamentary elections.
In a historic decision, Japan’s highest court rules in favour of victims. Almost 25,000 people with disabilities or chronic illnesses sterilised between 1948 and 1996 can now obtain compensation of almost US$ 20,000 each, but the real battle is for dignity.
A survey by the Pew Research Center confirms a trend that began before the COVID-19 pandemic. Answers tend to reflect a country's economy and performance by the incumbent government. In both Japan and South Korea, the top political leaders show lowest approval rates ever.
Even those who claim to have no creed engage in some form of ancestor worship, burning incense and leaving offerings at temples, this according to a report just released by the Pew Research Center on Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. The study highlights the difficulties of investigation in view of the local notion of religion, which in local languages is often associated only with hierarchical organisations. The rate of religious switching is higher in this region than anywhere else in the world.
After his supporters failed to secure a majority in local elections, the governor finds himself in a “very difficult position”. Despite protests, construction at the new site in Henoko began in January. The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly is evenly split over the US base.
The regulation approved by the Diet overcomes the current employment system that ended up favouring abuses. A new attempt to counter the labour shortage. Increased flexibility is provided by reduced timeframes and favoured access to qualified positions: it will be possible to leave unprofitable and discriminating positions.
