PM Takaichi vows to defend ICC President Akane, rebuts 'weak-kneed' criticism over U.S. sanctions

PM Takaichi explicitly says ICC President Akane, sanctioned by U.S., 'must be protected' Prime Minister Takaichi said of International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane, who has been sanctioned by the United States, that she 'must be protected,' rebutting criticism that the government's response was weak. In an online press conference, President Akane responded that she 'sincerely thanks' Prime Minister Takaichi for her remarks and said, 'The ICC will never lose.' 1

Government considering payments to small-scale farmers to offset income loss from food tax cut The government is considering providing benefit payments to small-scale farmers who will see reduced revenue from the consumption tax cut on food scheduled to take effect in April 2027. The aim is to ease the 'decline in take-home income' caused by worsening business conditions. 2

Environment Ministry to end subsidies for solar panel purchases, shift focus to next-generation types The Environment Ministry has decided to abolish subsidies for purchasing solar panels. It is expected to shift its focus to supporting the introduction of next-generation solar cells such as perovskite. 3

Former PM Ishiba objects to revised Imperial House Act, saying it 'does not reflect the will of the people' In a radio program, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized the revised Imperial House Act, which takes effect October 24, saying it 'does not reflect the will of the people,' and also questioned the logic of male-line male succession. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Takaichi administration's disaster response and the address at the memorial ceremony for war dead. 4

Typhoon No. 18 passes through Okinawa and Amami; one injured, up to 39,000 homes without power Strong Typhoon No. 18 passed near Okinawa's main island and the Amami region on the 26th, bringing violent winds and heavy rain. One person was injured in Okinawa Prefecture, and up to about 39,000 homes lost power in Amami. The Japan Meteorological Agency called for caution against heavy rain disasters caused by linear precipitation bands. 56

Government to decide cabinet order on sub-capital designation requirements in late October; first meeting held On the 26th, the government held the first meeting of the relevant ministers' conference on the sub-capital concept and confirmed a policy to decide a cabinet order setting designation requirements in late October. It will publish a 'basic approach' in November and aim for a Cabinet decision on the basic policy around October next year. 7

PM Takaichi says she will 'consider' reconstruction fund for Kumamoto earthquake after receiving LDP proposal On the 26th, Prime Minister Takaichi received a proposal on reconstruction from the Kumamoto earthquake from Takayuki Kobayashi, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council, and responded that she would 'consider' creating a reconstruction fund. Special financial support for the disaster-stricken area and early implementation of tourism support measures are being sought. 8

Osaka Metropolis plan: prefecture and special wards split over division of administrative duties at legal council The legally mandated council of the prefecture and city tasked with drafting the institutional plan for the Osaka Metropolis plan was held on the 26th. Regarding hub town development, opinions were divided, with the prefecture arguing it should handle everything from planning to permits and approvals, while the city side asserted the authority of special wards. Ishin aims to compile the institutional plan within the year. 9

METI to set up investigation committee on Sept. 3 for Aeon Mall Kumamoto explosion On the 25th, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa announced that an accident investigation committee would be established to determine the cause of the explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto. The first meeting will be held on September 3, and a full-scale investigation will begin, commissioned to the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute. 10

Man arrested for commercial possession of cannabis and cocaine may be leader of 'Tokuryu' group in Fukushima It has newly come to light that a man arrested for possessing illegal drugs for commercial purposes is believed to be a leader-level figure of the anonymous fluid group 'Tokuryu.' Police are also investigating accomplices. 11