In the race to choose the new leader of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party, support for Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide appears to be widening. The winner of the election will take over from Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, when he resigns to deal with health issues.

Suga is expected to officially announce his candidacy once the schedule for the election is decided. On Monday, he met the head of the party's largest faction and other senior party members to ask for support.

One day after Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's surprise announcement of his resignation for health reasons, the battle to succeed him has already begun, with several candidates signaling their intentions to contest the premiership.

LDP Policy Research Council Chairperson Kishida Fumio says, "My commitment to continue working to become the next leader remains unchanged."

Japan's defense white paper warns that the coronavirus pandemic may expose competition among countries seeking to expand their influence.

The annual report was presented at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. It says China has been making "propaganda efforts" amid growing social uncertainty and confusion caused by the spread of infections.

The Suzuki Jimny would probably fit in the back of the Hummer H1, but make no mistake, this is a proper off-roader with all the bells and whistles, including a body-on-frame chassis, low-range transmission, short overhangs and four-wheel drive.

Nearly 20 people have so far announced their intention to run in Tokyo's gubernatorial election. Campaigning will kick off on Thursday.

On Monday, Yamamoto Taro, the leader of opposition party Reiwa Shinsengumi, told reporters that he will run in the election to be held on July 5th.

Itano Tomomi has been appointed as the image model for the '47th Boat Race All Stars' to be held from May 26 to 31 at Osaka's Boat Race Suminoe. 

Itano was appointed to this role to liven up the Boat Race All Stars from the perspective of female fans. You can check out a video message by Itano below.

The music video for go!go!vanillas' new song "Amazing Race" has been uploaded onto YouTube. 

"Amazing Race" marks the comeback of Hasegawa "Pretty" Keisuke, who was injured in December when he was struck by a large vehicle while walking in Tokyo. This video was shot in early-March at one of the live houses that the band was scheduled to perform at, but was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The performance scene was shot in just one take. 

Honda's Civic Type R will again get the opportunity to prove its mettle on the track during the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The factory-backed Halfords Yuasa Racing team unveiled the updated hatchback it will enter in the 2020 season of the series that starts in March.

The regular-production Civic Type R is not for motorists seeking to keep a low profile, yet the BTCC-spec model makes it look almost subtle. It wears a front spoiler, seriously flared fenders, and an even bigger wing on the hatch. Although we haven't seen the interior yet, peeking through the windshield reveals a full roll cage, a racing seat, and little else. It weighs approximately 2,820 pounds, which is the minimum allowed by regulations.