#japanese-politics

#japanese-politics

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday dissolved parliament ahead of a snap general election on February 8 a vote that she hopes will provide her with a new mandate to negotiate the challenges facing the nation. Analysts caution, however, that Takaichi's solid approval ratings may not translate into support for her scandal-tainted Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), while a new opposition party has suddenly emerged as a viable alternative to the long-ruling LDP.

TOKYO Japan's former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who was known for his 1995 "Murayama statement" apologizing to Asian victims of his country's aggression, died Friday. He was 101. Murayama died at a hospital in his hometown Oita, southwestern Japan, according to a statement by Mizuho Fukushima, the head of Japan's Social Democratic Party. As head of what was then known as the Japan Socialist Party, Murayama led a coalition government from June 1994 to January 1996.

Eitetsu Nishikawa believes that the ease with which foreigners can obtain a driver's license in Japan threatens his job, linking immigration to rising crime rates.

Kamiya's campaign clearly struck a nerve with Japanese who have become disaffected with the existing political parties, leading to significant defeats for the LDP.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office despite forecasts of an electoral defeat and rising public discontent over key issues, including inflation.

Opinion polls indicate that Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito may not secure the 50 seats required to maintain control in the Upper House elections, raising concerns over Prime Minister Ishiba's political fate and stability within Japan.