The Supreme Court’s Second Petty Bench, presided over by Chief Justice Akira Ojima, ruled on September 26th that the current system for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives is constitutional, despite a maximum disparity of 2.06-to-1 in the value of votes cast in last October’s general election. (News On Japan)

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on September 25th that it will withdraw its "Africa Hometown" project, with President Akihiko Tanaka explaining at a press conference that widespread misunderstanding had created excessive burdens for local governments. (News On Japan)

Nearly 18 years have passed since journalist Kenji Nagai was shot dead while covering a protest in Myanmar, and new analysis has revealed that his final words were recorded on the video camera he held until the very end. (News On Japan)

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru delivered a general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24th, where he underscored the need to expand the Security Council and questioned whether the UN is fulfilling the role originally expected of it. (News On Japan)

Japan decided not to recognize Palestine as a state during a high-level meeting in New York aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as about 10 other countries declared recognition. (News On Japan)

The administrative chief of Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia, the host of the next World Expo in 2030, held discussions with Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura and other officials to seek advice and share expertise on organizing the global event. (News On Japan)

To prevent excessive smartphone use, the Toyoake City Council in Aichi Prefecture passed an ordinance on September 22nd that sets a daily usage limit of two hours during free time outside of work, study, and housework. (News On Japan)

Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao has expressed his view that construction of large-scale solar panel projects in the Kushiro Wetlands of Hokkaido should be restrained. (News On Japan)

Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi announced her candidacy in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, set to be officially declared next week, unveiling a platform centered on bold “growth investment.” Her policy package also incorporates some opposition proposals, signaling an openness to potential collaboration. (News On Japan)

Marking the 94th anniversary of the Mukden Incident that sparked the Manchurian Incident, China released the film '731' on September 18, which centers on Unit 731, a former Japanese military unit allegedly engaged in the development of biological weapons. (News On Japan)

Anti-Japan sentiment in China drew fresh attention on September 18, a date that marks both 94 years since the Mukden (Liutiaohu) Incident and the 80th anniversary China frames as its victory in the war against Japan, raising concerns for Japanese residents and businesses. (News On Japan)

An initiative to reuse soil generated during decontamination work in Fukushima Prefecture after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident has started at central government ministries in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. (News On Japan)

Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has decided to run in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential race. (News On Japan)

The first hearing for former House of Councillors member Ohno Yasumasa and his secretary, charged with violating the Political Funds Control Act over an alleged slush fund tied to Liberal Democratic Party fundraising parties, was held at the Tokyo District Court on September 10th. Ohno pleaded not guilty, saying, "I have never committed a crime." (News On Japan)

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is entering a leadership contest as factional infighting deepens, with the outcome set to shape responses to inflation and the realities of minority governance. Opposition parties are preparing to invoke Article 53 of the Constitution to demand an extraordinary Diet session, arguing that a prolonged political vacuum is unacceptable. (News On Japan)

The Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election to choose a successor to Prime Minister Ishiba will be held on October 4th. The party’s election management committee decided on September 9th to officially announce the race on September 22nd, with lawmakers casting their votes in early October. (News On Japan)

Following Prime Minister Ishiba's announcement of his resignation on September 7th, moves to select his successor within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are accelerating. (News On Japan)

Agriculture Minister Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Takaichi tied as the top choices to succeed Prime Minister Ishiba in a JNN poll, with Ishiba himself ranking third. Support for the Ishiba Cabinet rose to 37.7% in September, while 41% of respondents said he should resign after the Upper House election defeat and 49% said he should not. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Ishiba is set to announce his resignation from the leadership at a press conference scheduled for 6 p.m. this evening, following the party’s heavy defeat in the recent Upper House election. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Ishiba’s declaration to remain in office has triggered a surge in moves within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to unseat him. The party’s top four executives have announced their resignations, and former Prime Minister Aso has endorsed bringing forward the leadership election. (News On Japan)