#JAPAN: Ruling Liberal Democratic Party Candidates Win Two By-Elections

[world politics news]

Candidates aligned with Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party have won two Lower House by-elections Sunday. A former Lower House member, Masaru Wakasa, won a Tokyo seat. Two other candidates ran, including former TV news reporter Yosuke Suzuki.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Tokyo Elects First Woman Governor In Landslide

[world politics news]

Former Japanese Defense Minister Yuriko Koike has won the Tokyo gubernatorial election. She will be the first woman to lead the Japanese capital. Koike, 64, ran as an independent, and came out ahead of her two main rivals, former Internal Affairs Minister Hiroya Masuda and journalist Shuntaro Torigoe. Masuda was recommended by the governing coalition and other parties. Four opposition parties backed Torigoe. Koike scored more than 2.9 million votes, while Masuda obtained nearly 1.8 million, and Torigoe about 1.3 million. Turnout was heavy, at 60%, which was 14% higher than the previous election.

#JAPAN: Tokyo Gov. To Face No Confidence Vote Over Misuse Of Funds

[world politics news]

Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe will face a no-confidence motion tomorrow after an opposition party at the Tokyo assembly decided to submit one over his alleged misuse of political funds. Up to three opposition parties have considered filing separate no confidence motions, after Masuzoe had said he would not resign his post over the scandal.

#JAPAN: Tokyo Gov. Admits He Misused Political Funds; Will Pay Back $4,150

[world politics news]

Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe has admitted that there were "several inappropriate points" relating to his alleged use of political funds for personal purposes, a scandal exposed by a weekly magazine. At a press conference, Masuzoe said he plans to correct errors in related political funds statements and personally refund the spending in question, totaling about US$4,150.

#JAPAN: Tokyo's Gov't Makes Godzilla "Tourism Ambassador" And Official Resident Of Japan

[world politics news]

From the "Only In Japan" Department: Former nuclear menace Godzilla was promoted to tourism ambassador and made an honorary citizen of Tokyo's Shinjuku ward during a solemn plaque award ceremony attended by political leaders of the ward. Shinjuka mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi said that any location destroyed in a Godzilla film will become lucky in real life.

JAPAN: Tokyo Gov. Apologizes for "Allah" Comment About Olympic Rival Turkey [world politics news]