LDP Secretary-General Prioritizes Revision of Imperial House Law Without Extending Diet Session

LDP Secretary-General intends to finalize revision of Imperial House Law without extending current Diet session LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki indicated on the 21st that he does not intend to extend the current Diet session, which runs until July 17, and emphasized that the revision of the Imperial House Law to secure the number of imperial family members will be enacted within the session. Regarding the reduction of House of Representatives seats and the sub-capital related bills based on the coalition agreement with Ishin, he stated they will be "definitely realized," but Ishin is seeking enactment with an extension in mind. 123

Cabinet approval ratings at 55.8% and 69% in surveys, showing large discrepancy In a Kyodo News opinion poll, the approval rating for the Takashi Cabinet was 55.8%, down slightly from the previous survey, while a Yomiuri Shimbun survey showed 69%, up 5 points, revealing a large gap between the surveys. The Yomiuri survey is believed to have been influenced by the end of US-Iran hostilities and the proposal of a consumption tax cut. 45

Government to include "new way of defense" in three security documents, introducing drones and AI The government is moving toward incorporating a "new way of defense" as a concept for strengthening defense capabilities in the three security documents, including the National Security Strategy, to be revised within the year. The aim is to reduce military overtones while maintaining exclusive defense and enhancing deterrence through the introduction of drones and AI. 6

Verdict for former Upper House member Ohno on 23rd in LDP non-disclosure case, first for a lawmaker A verdict will be handed down on the 23rd at the Tokyo District Court for former Upper House member Yasutaka Ohno, a defendant in the LDP faction's political fund party non-disclosure case. This is the first verdict for a lawmaker, and the point of contention is whether he recognized the kickback as a "donation." 7

Opposition accelerates pursuit over defamatory video suspicions, ruling party coordination at a critical juncture over sub-capital bill In intensive deliberations on the 22nd, the opposition will pursue suspicions that the Prime Minister's camp was involved in posting defamatory videos targeting other candidates. Meanwhile, opposition within the LDP is intensifying over the sub-capital related bill that Ishin prioritizes, and a resolution is sought at a party leader meeting on the 22nd, but the outcome remains uncertain. 8

Government to establish expert organization under direct control of Prime Minister's Office for chemical terrorism countermeasures The government has decided to establish an expert organization under the direct control of the Prime Minister's Office to respond to CBRNE terrorism involving chemical weapons and radioactive materials. Doctors will provide advice on initial responses, and an interim report is expected by summer this year. 3

Digital Agency formulates version 2.0 of generative AI guidelines The Digital Agency has formulated version 2.0 of the "Guidelines for Procurement and Utilization of Generative AI for Administrative Evolution and Innovation." It responds to technological advances such as the practical application of AI agents and establishes Chief AI Officers (CAIO) in each ministry and agency. 9

Construction of recovery public housing begins in Noto Town, scheduled for delivery at end of next fiscal year Construction of recovery public housing for victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake has begun in Noto Town, with a groundbreaking ceremony held. A total of 260 units will be developed at five locations within the town, and 57 units at the two sites where construction has started are scheduled for delivery at the end of the next fiscal year. 10