Japan’s Likely Next Prime Minister Tries to Set Himself Apart

Though Fumio Kishida, a ruling-party stalwart, has sought to distinguish himself from the unpopular departing prime minister, he’s struggled to connect with the public.

Japan Faces Big Problems. Its Next Leader Offers Few Bold Solutions.

The country’s governing party, with a stranglehold on power, bucked the wishes of the public to select a moderate mainstay.

Why the Governing Party Election Is the Main Event in Japan

The country has free elections, opposition parties and, lately, public discontent. So why are the Liberal Democrats nearly assured to remain in power?

Japan’s Most Popular Candidate for Prime Minister Is Far From a Shoo-In

Taro Kono has by far the highest poll numbers of any candidate to lead the governing Liberal Democrats. But party elders don’t think so highly of him.

A Hard-Line Conservative Hopes to Be Japan’s First Female Leader

If Sanae Takaichi wins, it would be a milestone for the country. But some feminists hope that doesn’t happen.

Olympics Gave Hope to Japan’s L.G.B.T.Q. Activists. But Old Prejudices Die Hard.

Legislation labeling discrimination “unacceptable” has been blocked by conservative lawmakers, showing how far the country has to go to fulfill the goal of equality enshrined in the Olympic charter.