Japan

NHK | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Political Scandal or Corruption

A South Korean court sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his significant involvement in an insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court issued the ruling on Wednesday, delivering a harsher sentence than the 15 years requested by the special counsel team. Han was acquitted of some charges, but the court found that he neglected his duties and chose to participate, believing the insurrection might succeed.

This case marks the first judicial ruling that classifies the martial law declaration as an insurrection. Han is the first Cabinet member from Yoon's administration to receive a sentence related to the incident. Previously indicted without arrest, Han was taken into custody following the court's decision. Meanwhile, former President Yoon is awaiting a ruling scheduled for February 19 on charges of masterminding the insurrection.

The Mainichi | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedTaxes

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on January 19, 2026, that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will propose eliminating the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years in the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign. This measure aims to ease the financial burden on middle- and low-income earners amid persistently high food inflation.

Takaichi plans to fund the tax cut by reallocating existing subsidies, special tax measures, and non-tax revenue rather than issuing deficit-financing bonds. She emphasized the need to consider impacts on financial markets, including interest rates, exchange rates, and local government finances. The timing of the tax cut was not discussed during the press conference despite prior speculation about a potential reduction around September.

The tax reduction is expected to cause an annual revenue loss of about 5 trillion yen ($31.6 billion), with roughly 2 trillion yen ($12.6 billion) impacting local governments. This has raised concerns about fiscal deterioration, reflected in rising government bond yields and potential yen depreciation, which could further increase inflation through higher import costs.

The opposition Centrist Reform Alliance advocates for a permanent zero consumption tax on food and beverages, making tax reduction a realistic prospect regardless of the election outcome. However, some economic officials warn that continued fiscal loosening by both major parties risks long-term fiscal collapse.

維新公約に議員定数１割減 専守防衛、定義見直しも

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

The Japan Innovation Party announced its election pledges on January 21, focusing on political, security, and social policies. It plans to submit a bill to reduce the number of House of Representatives seats by 10% and to review regulations on corporate and organizational political donations. The party also intends to revisit the strict interpretation of "exclusive defense," which currently limits the use of defensive force to the minimum necessary for self-defense.

In social security, the party aims to cut national medical expenses by 4 trillion yen annually, reduce support payments for the latter-stage elderly, and lower social insurance premiums by 60,000 yen per working-generation person. To strengthen national deterrence, it proposes deploying long-range counterattack missiles and acquiring submarines capable of carrying missiles and conducting long-range submerged operations.