Topic: Ichiro Ozawa

Double the sales tax? Japanese see hit to wallets, little impact on national debt

Japan's lower house of parliament voted today to double the sales tax. The bill still has to pass the upper house, and many question if it can make a significant dent in Japan's massive public debt.

Why Japan's Prime Minister Kan survived ouster bid

Prime Minister Naoto Kan offered to resign once he has brought the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant under control. The power play in parliament has gone over poorly with the public.

Why Japan has a problem with prime ministers

The straight-talking Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan inspired 'Yes we Kan' T-shirts when he took office last June, but he's now in trouble. The past four prime ministers have lasted less than a year.

Opinion: A whole new world for US and Asia: Can America adapt to the power shift?

President Obama's trip to Asia shows just how much the global power balance has shifted. China and India now hold the key to Western economic recovery. In this climate, the US must learn a new form of international leadership.

Opinion: US-Japan alliance is ripe for renewal

President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan are poised for progress when they meet this weekend.

War spending and the economy: You say boom, I say ka-boom!

Paul Krugman argues that WWII spending bought America out of the Great Depression. But what about the other side? What happened with military spending in Japan?

Japan's Naoto Kan promises fresh start with new cabinet

Japan's new Prime Minister Naoto Kan unveiled a cabinet Tuesday of six new members and 11 from the Hatoyama administration. Polls show 63 percent of Japanese have high hopes for Kan's administration.

Japan shaken by abrupt resignation of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama

The hasty departure of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama after just eight months in office throw Japanese politics into chaos, analysts say.

Japan's Hatoyama resigns, dogged by Okinawa base dispute

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Wednesday he would resign after coming under fire for weak leadership and reneging on a promise to move a US military base off Okinawa island.

Ichiro Ozawa scandal clouds Japan's push for reform

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan vowed to shake up the country's powerful bureaucracy. Instead it's bogged down in a corruption probe against key strategist Ichiro Ozawa.

Will Japan's new leaders continue to support US in Afghanistan?

Japanese Foreign Minister Okada said that Japan should focus on assistance to both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The government has not been clear on whether it will continue its refueling mission.

New PM takes office in Japan

Yukio Hatoyama and his Democratic Party of Japan must address a troubled economy, record high unemployment, and a rapidly aging population.

Japan's new prime minister – can he fix the economy?

Hatoyama is thinking big on climate change and upending the bureaucracy, but offering little bold direction for ending Japan's extended economic slump. The new PM takes office Wednesday.

Japan's next PM: change agent, but he's no Obama

Yukio Hatoyama comes from four generations of politicians from the ruling LDP, which his DPJ party just ousted from power.

Japan's ruling LDP lays out its campaign platform

Prime Minister Aso's long-ruling party is under fire as polls indicate strong support for the opposition Democratic Party of Japan. The vote is Aug. 30.

Clinton to Japan: You're our 'cornerstone'

World

Japan's ruling party hopes Aso will restore its reputation

As a popular politician, Olympian, and fan of manga comics, Taro Aso contrasts sharply with the lackluster former prime minister, whose shoes he is likely to fill on Wednesday.