Former Japanese prime minister who championed economic reforms; influential in Asia-Pacific diplomacy and domestic politics.
New episodes and updates across Northstar Politics and Manifesto examine accountability in politics, the role of wealth taxes, religion in leftist discourse, and a mass-shooter manifesto turned documentary project. Independent pieces highlight how platforms shape political imagination and how a true-crime format reframes public understanding of violence.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has visited Iturup (Etorofu) in the disputed Kuril Islands, watched Pacific Fleet naval drills including live-fire missile launches, and toured a fish-processing plant, hospital and school. Japan has summoned the Russian ambassador and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have called the visit "absolutely unacceptable," reaffirming Tokyo's claim to the islands.
Japan’s leaders face renewed regional scrutiny as Koizumi’s Yasukuni Shrine visit on the 81st anniversary sparks protests from China and South Korea, while Tokyo stresses a peaceful, postwar path.
The International Criminal Court has faced intensified pressure as the United States expands sanctions against ICC officials and staff. Tomoko Akane, ICC President from Japan, says she will not bow to pressure, urging Japan to rally ICC partners while Washington signals possible further measures. The EU and allies defend ICC independence as Japan seeks to balance alliance dynamics.
The United States has sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer, escalating pressure on the International Criminal Court. Tokyo defends its role as ICC backer and calls for restraint while Akane pledges to continue defending the court. The move comes amid broader US pressure on ICC members amid investigations into Israeli actions in Gaza and past concerns about US troops in Afghanistan.
The Seoul Central District Court has found Han Hak-ja, 83, guilty of illegal political donations and bribery related to efforts to influence South Korea's political scene. The court has handed two-year sentences across involved parties, and related cases of Kim Keon Hee are noted with earlier and subsequent penalties.
Security researchers have found two critical PHP vulnerabilities, dubbed PHP2Shell, and PHP maintainers have released emergency patches. Multiple governments and major companies have urged operators to patch or temporarily take sites offline after AI-assisted research and a public leak triggered millions of exploitation attempts between 21–27 October 2026.
Renowned manga artist Chiba has died at 87. His work, especially Ashita no Joe, inspired generations, blending sports drama with anti-war themes. Born in Tokyo in 1939, his early life in China during occupation shaped his storytelling. Kodansha confirms the death, with no cause disclosed.