All articles tagged with #sanae takaichi
Japan raised permanent residency fees 20-fold to 200,000 yen effective October 1, 2026, alongside stricter income, pension, and language requirements. The move addresses rising administrative costs and public sentiment but creates a paradox by restricting permanent settlement while the country relies on foreign labor to offset demographic decline.
Japan implemented stricter permanent residency rules on October 1, 2026, including a 20-fold fee increase to 200,000 yen. New requirements mandate income above the national average and eventual Japanese language proficiency. These measures, driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aim to address public anxiety over immigration despite ongoing labor shortages.
Japan has implemented a 20-fold increase in permanent residency fees, raising the cost to 200,000 yen ($1,270), alongside stricter income, pension, and language requirements. These measures, part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s broader immigration crackdown, aim to address public anxiety over a rapidly growing foreign population, even as the country faces severe labor shortages.
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1.25%, the highest level in 31 years, following a 7-2 vote. The decision reflects rising inflation and external pressure from the US Treasury, though it was complicated by dissent from board members appointed by the Japanese Prime Minister.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi explains why she spends long hours secluded at the official residence, describing the routine as part of her focus on governance and security while balancing public appearances.
On the 81st anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not visit Yasukuni Shrine to avoid straining relations with China and South Korea, while defense ministers and party officials prayed there. Her Nippon Budokan speech acknowledged peace and postwar responsibilities but did not address Japan’s wartime past, a stance critics say avoids hard truths as regional tensions persist. Emperor Naruhito’s remarks echoed a wish for peace and reflection.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi criticized Vladimir Putin’s first visit to the Kuril Islands, warning the trip would worsen Moscow–Tokyo relations as the long-running dispute over Iturup (Etorofu) and the other islands persists; Japan protested to the Russian ambassador, while Putin’s itinerary underscored Russia’s stance on the sovereignty claim amid broader regional tensions.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denies the claim that his joke about Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi’s ‘melons’ referenced breasts, saying he wasn’t making a sexual remark. As pressure mounts for an official apology over the Bush Deep podcast exchange, critics warn the quip could strain Australia–Japan relations, with a former ambassador weighing in. The episode also revisits a prior apology Albanese gave for comments about Kylie Minogue during the same interview.
At Nagasaki's 81st bombing anniversary, Mayor Shiro Suzuki denounces nuclear weapons as ‘absolute evil’ and urges Japan to uphold the three non-nuclear principles, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pushes a major defence-policy overhaul that could expand Japan’s military role and fuel debate over allowing nuclear arms under the US security umbrella, amid concerns from survivors and critics about a return to ‘new militarism.’
Japan’s new Honebuto no Hoshin plan would channel about ¥370tn into 17 sectors by 2040 to lift growth above 1%, but investors worry about unfunded spending and debt sustainability after Japan’s debt-to-GDP peaked around 260%; markets have pushed up yields and the yen has weakened, with questions over funding sources and BoJ independence and whether the plan can outpace China, warning of a Liz Truss-style shock if financing details are missing.
At a post-summit dinner with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi drew online criticism for a flamboyant moment with a live band, with some calling it “music diplomacy” while others say it trivializes diplomacy and distracts from substantive talks. Analysts note the episode reflects Takaichi’s nontraditional persona and Japan’s broader Asia-Pacific ambitions, but it risks undermining Japan’s diplomatic image amid regional tensions.
Japan’s Upper House passed a bill to centralize intelligence coordination, but the debate highlighted a new political reality: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi enjoys broad support and limited opposition cohesion, signaling governance with growing backing amid a landscape of misinformation and information overload.
Japan reacted with embarrassment and mixed feelings after President Trump cited Pearl Harbor to defend his Iran-war stance during a White House meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, underscoring delicate US-Japan dynamics, differing views on Japan’s military role, and questions about how closely Tokyo and Washington align on foreign policy.
Jimmy Kimmel mocked President Trump’s Pearl Harbor joke during a White House meeting with Japan’s first female prime minister Sanae Takaichi, calling the moment a new level of cringe. He quipped that Americans cringe when real leaders visit, and suggested Trump’s Pearl Harbor knowledge may come from a Ben Affleck movie, as Takaichi looked uncomfortable while Trump pressed Japan to back his Iran policy amid a global energy crisis.
Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi travels to Washington for a likely challenging meeting with Donald Trump as Iran-related tensions loom and Trump’s call for allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz draws mixed reactions; discussions are expected to cover trade, Japan’s security stance under its pacifist constitution, and regional issues with China, with Tokyo seeking favorable terms and de-escalation cues.