Latest Shigeru Ishiba News

Japanese newspaper boss who influenced the nation's postwar politics died at 98

Dec. 19, 2024 00:20 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Tsuneo Watanabe, the powerful head of Japan's largest newspaper who had close ties with the country's powerful conservative leaders, has died, his company said Thursday. He was 98. Watanabe, the editor-in-chief of the Yomiuri Shimbun for over 30 years, died of...

South Korea’s parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order

Dec. 14, 2024 19:32 PM EST

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s parliament on Saturday impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his stunning and short-lived martial law decree, a move that ended days of political paralysis but set up an intense debate over Yoon's fate, as jubilant crowds roared to celebrate another...

Japan's ban on recognizing same-sex unions is unconstitutional, a court finds. Here's what to know

Dec. 13, 2024 08:32 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a high court ruled Friday, the latest victory for the LGBTQ+ community to add pressure on the reluctant government. Friday’s decision by the Fukuoka High Court in southern Japan marks the eighth...

Japan business survey shows slight improvement in outlook for manufacturers

Dec. 13, 2024 01:48 AM EST

BANGKOK (AP) — A quarterly survey by Japan’s central bank shows business sentiment has improved slightly, especially in major heavy industries such as automaking, fossil fuels and machinery, while services industries were less upbeat. The survey released Friday by the Bank of...

US defense secretary in Japan to support alliance as Osprey aircraft safety causes concern

Dec. 10, 2024 23:06 PM EST

TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with officials in Japan on Tuesday to reaffirm the importance of their alliance and Washington's commitment to regional security as threats rise from China and North Korea. Austin also stressed that U.S. trilateral cooperation...

Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiasts

Dec. 05, 2024 03:48 AM EST

LUQUE, Paraguay (AP) — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that...

What's next: South Korean leader's martial law declaration threatens his political career

Dec. 04, 2024 21:18 PM EST

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term and whether he will abide by democratic principles. Parliament...

Embattled Japan leader vows to cooperate with long-ignored opposition in bid to save his government

Nov. 29, 2024 01:57 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Embattled Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who survived as leader after a major election loss by his governing coalition, promised Friday to work closely with the long-ignored opposition that is now the only way his minority government can stay in power. ...

Japan passes $250B economic package meant to lift wages and spur growth

Nov. 22, 2024 05:26 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Japan approved a 39 trillion yen ($250 billion) economic stimulus package Friday centered around initiatives it said were aimed at boosting individual incomes. The broad plan passed by the Cabinet is the centerpiece of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recently...

The 'super year' of elections has been super bad for incumbents as voters punish them in droves

Nov. 17, 2024 00:18 AM EST

BANGKOK (AP) — Whether on the left or the right, regardless of how long they’ve been in power, sitting governments around the world have been drubbed this year by disgruntled voters in what has been called the “super year” for elections. Donald Trump's victory in the U.S....