The new LDP president Fumio Kishida has promised to boost incomes and economically assist those affected by COVID-19, but a general election in November will indicate public approval of these policies and the potential longevity of his administration.

The new LDP leader will need to make the COVID-19 pandemic a top priority. What were the factors behind Suga’s botched handling of the health crisis? This is a crucial question for the new party chief, who will also be Prime Minister.

Multiple contenders including former foreign minister Fumio Kishida are gearing up for the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s abrupt decision to withdraw from the race.

Japan sent Self-Defense Forces aircraft to Afghanistan on Monday to evacuate Japanese citizens and local staff working for its Embassy and other organizations amid uncertainty in the country after the Taliban seized power.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologized on Wednesday for his administration’s request to ask drinks wholesalers to stop supplying liquor to restaurants and bars that defied the ban on serving alcohol under the COVID-19 emergency state.