Japan's Ruling Parties Agree On Counterstrike Ability

Japan's ruling parties agree on counterstrike ability

Japan's ruling coalition said the country should be able to launch a "counterstrike" if it's targeted by an armed attack. It's set to be one of the biggest changes to Japanese security policy since the end of World War Two.

The main Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito held talks on Friday. They said Japan's current system is poorly equipped to deal with growing threats in the region.

Japan's Governing Parties Aim To Agree On 'counterstrike Capabilities'

Japan's governing parties aim to agree on 'counterstrike capabilities'

Japan's governing parties have confirmed that they will try to reach an agreement on Friday on the country's capabilities to conduct counterattacks on enemy missile-launching sites among others.

Lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito discussed the issue on Wednesday at their eighth working-level talks.

Ruling Parties Discuss New Missile Development

Ruling parties discuss new missile development

Japan's government is seeking to gain consensus from the ruling parties over the proposed development of a new long-range cruise missile.

The "standoff missile" has a much longer firing range than the Ground Self-Defense Force's current surface-to-ship model. It can be launched from a point far enough away to evade fire from the target.

Tokyo Gov. Warns Against Large Parties

Tokyo Gov. warns against large parties

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has urged residents not to eat and drink in large groups, to keep the coronavirus out of their homes.

The governor made the call on Thursday, when the capital for the first time reported more than 500 new cases of the virus.

Ruling And Opposition Parties Assess Abe's Tenure

Ruling and opposition parties assess Abe's tenure

Leaders of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito have praised Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's achievements, while opposition party leaders said Abe failed to follow through on many issues.

Leaders of the LDP and its junior coalition partner, and opposition parties looked back on Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's tenure on an NHK TV program on Sunday, two days after Abe announced his intention to resign, citing worsening health.

No Parties Held At Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

No parties held at cherry blossom viewing spot

People have been enjoying walking beneath cherry blossoms at a popular viewing spot in Tokyo on Saturday, but there are no gatherings this year due to the new coronavirus threat.

Ueno Park attracts more than 3 million people to admire the cherry blossoms in a normal year.

Suga Defends Abe's Diet Replies On Dinner Parties

Suga defends Abe's Diet replies on dinner parties

Japan's top government spokesperson has defended Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replies to questions about dinner parties held at a Tokyo hotel on the eve of annual cherry blossom viewing events he hosted.

Opposition lawmaker Kazunori Yamanoi told the Lower House Budget Committee on Wednesday that the hotel says it issues itemized statements without exception, and contradicts the prime minister regarding receipts. He accused Abe of making false replies.

Abe Grilled At Diet Over Dinner Parties

Abe grilled at Diet over dinner parties

Lawmakers of Japan's opposition camp have questioned Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding parties that were held for his supporters at a Tokyo hotel over the past several years.

At the Lower House budget committee meeting on Monday, opposition lawmakers said they asked a Tokyo hotel whether it had made out receipts for the parties with no customer names. They said the hotel, where some of the parties were held, replied that it had not.

Two Opposition Parties Put Off Merger

Two opposition parties put off merger

Two Japanese opposition parties have postponed a proposed merger for the time being due to disagreements over terms for the union.

The secretary general of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Tetsuro Fukuyama, met in the Diet on Tuesday with his counterpart from the Democratic Party for the People, Hirofumi Hirano.