Latest news with #Tamaki
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Screentime: What's on offer at this year's International Film
Film and TV reviewer Tom Augustine joins Kathryn to talk about some of the less well-known - but no less interesting - offerings at this year's New Zealand International Film Festival. Tom Augustine is a Tamaki based filmmaker and critic. He writes for Rialto Channel's View Magazine and Metro Magazine. Tom is the co-programmer of the Capitol Cinema Film Club, which shows rare and underseen gems from throughout cinema history monthly. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Japan Forward
17-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Will There Be an Election Shake-Up? DPP and Sanseito Challenge LDP Grip
In a July 2 debate ahead of the July 20 Upper House election, leaders of Japan's major parties sparred over economic policy, energy and nuclear power, defense, and constitutional reform. It introduced the parties and set the stage for a more policy-oriented July 6 debate. On July 6, a Niconico-hosted online debate brought together leaders from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, along with key opposition parties. Sharp contrasts emerged, particularly between establishment parties and challengers like the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and the rising Sanseito, on the major issues defining this election. In fall 2024, the LDP-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the Lower House Election. Polls suggest the coalition may now fall short of a majority in the 248-seat chamber. Meanwhile, challengers like the DPP and Sanseito are positioning themselves as serious contenders. Economic policy dominated the early part of the debate, with each leader outlining plans to spur growth and protect livelihoods. LDP leader and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba argued that his government's policies have begun to deliver results. He cited a "5.25% wage increase, the highest on record, and ¥107 trillion JPY ($660 billion USD) in private investment, also a record." Ishiba vowed to shift Japan away from a cost-cutting economic model toward one centered on value creation and sustained growth. His vision is for an economy driven by higher wages and increased corporate investment. He set a bold target to "achieve a ¥1,000 trillion ($6.45 trillion) GDP" in the near future. Opposition parties, however, pressed for bolder measures to directly ease the burden on consumers. Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) leader Yoshihiko Noda called for tackling wage stagnation. He suggested converting more non-regular workers to regular employment and cutting employers' social insurance costs to enable pay raises. Meanwhile, Yuichiro Tamaki of the DPP unveiled what he called a "new three-arrow strategy" to revitalize growth. Tamaki's plan focuses on boosting take-home pay, tripling private investment, and doubling budgets for education and science. By raising income tax deductions to put more money in consumers' pockets and aggressively incentivizing corporate investment, Tamaki also pledged to achieve a ¥1,000 trillion GDP within 10 years. "Hand in hand with that," he added, "we'll issue an 'education bond' to ramp up R&D and innovation, investing in people and technology to drive Japan's future." DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki delivers a street speech in front of JR Akihabara Station. July 13, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei by Katsuyuki Seki) Newcomer Sanseito, running on a populist "Japan First" platform, has struck a chord with voters hit by rising prices. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya argued for sweeping tax and social security relief. "Our policy is first and foremost tax cuts," he said, proposing to cap the total burden of taxes (including income taxes) plus social insurance at 35% of income. Under this plan, any excess burden would trigger automatic reductions, a bold promise to ensure "people keep two-thirds of what they earn." Kamitani also called for the government to spend robustly on public works, agriculture, and local government services to revitalize regional economies. The result is unprecedented support for both Sanseito and the DPP. Polling suggests the DPP could triple its pre-election seat count (formerly four). Sanseito's surge could net it double-digit seats in the upper house for the first time. Meanwhile, smaller parties on the left flank advocate more radical economic fixes but remain on the margins. Taro Yamamoto of Reiwa Shinsengumi continued to demand the outright abolition of the consumption tax to spur spending, combined with expanded cash handouts. The Japanese Communist Party's (JCP) Tomoko Tamura likewise called for an immediate cut of the consumption tax to 5% and taxing corporate internal reserves. She argued that "the engine of the economy is household consumption" and more wealth must be redistributed to struggling families. Energy policy emerged as a flashpoint, revealing a clear divide between pro-nuclear camps and anti-nuclear holdouts. Prime Minister Ishiba stressed the importance of bolstering energy self-sufficiency. He even suggested Japan "carry out new construction and expansion of domestic nuclear plants." This, he argued, would reduce overreliance on imported fossil fuels. Notably, the DPP largely aligns with the LDP on nuclear energy. Tamaki's party supports the early restart of safe reactors. It also advocates building new advanced nuclear plants, seeing them as vital for energy security and climate goals The DPP calls for streamlining regulatory reviews to avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, the DPP proposes steps to have Japan's Self-Defense Forces ready to help protect nuclear facilities. Sanseito goes a step further, bluntly rejecting what it calls "excessive carbon-neutral policies." Kamiya argued that Japan should "stop pushing renewables at the expense of reliability" and instead invest in next-generation small modular reactors and even nuclear fusion research. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya speaks to the press. July 3, Chuo Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei by Shinpei Okuhara) Sanseito's platform calls for withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, calling for a pivot back to dependable energy sources. The party is skeptical about the current climate policy that undermines Japan's energy independence. "We'll end the 'carbon zero' dogma," Kamitani said. In stark contrast, the left-leaning opposition maintains a staunch anti-nuclear stance, though it appears increasingly out of step. The CDP advocates phasing out nuclear power by 2050 and promises "no new reactors," emphasizing renewables and efficiency instead. Even this, however, is a moderation from the CDP's earlier posture. Its 2025 manifesto notably toned down language about immediately shutting all reactors. Both the JCP and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) remain uncompromising. They call for immediate nuclear abolition and a 100% renewable energy society. SDP leader Mizuho Fukushima, for example, used the slogan "Rice before missiles" to link her anti-nuclear, pro-peace message with protecting ordinary people's livelihoods. Furthermore, both parties also oppose the planned release of treated Fukushima plant water into the ocean. However, with power supply jitters and climate goals in play, the anti-nuclear camp's message finds diminishing traction. Even Komeito, the LDP's junior partner, which has been historically cautious about nuclear energy, has shifted. It deleted prior language from its manifesto about aiming to phase out nuclear, now endorsing the development of new reactors. Debate over national defense and constitutional reform revealed a notable realignment in Japanese politics. Across the spectrum, from the LDP to the DPP, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Sanseito, there is growing consensus on bolstering Japan's defense amid regional threats. Ishiba, a longtime security hawk, has made clear his determination to boost defense spending and update Japan's postwar pacifist Constitution. He argues that Japan can no longer afford ambivalence about its Self-Defense Forces. "If we avert our eyes from constitutional debate, we let the very foundation of the nation tremble," Ishiba said, voicing support for finally revising the war-renouncing Article 9 to formally recognize the SDF. "This election is a good chance to have that discussion," he added. Strikingly, key opposition figures echoed the call for a stronger defense and even constitutional change. Hirofumi Yoshimura of Ishin no Kai asserted that reinforcing Japan's defenses is "absolutely necessary." He noted that "China spends four to five times what Japan does on defense" and pointed out that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons. Yoshimura also argued that "Our neighbors China, Russia, North Korea pose a very real threat – this is the reality." Furthermore, he bluntly declared, "Constitutional Article 9 must be amended" so Japan can protect itself. Even the traditionally cautious DPP is on board with a more robust self-defense posture. "Our principle is that our nation must be defended by our own hands," Tamaki emphasized during the debate. He voiced support for the recent defense budget increases, but cautioned that "just using tax money to buy finished weapons from the United States won't truly boost our self-defense capability." Instead, Tamaki insisted, Japan should invest in its domestic defense industry and advanced technologies (like cyber defense) so that the country can independently sustain its security. The DPP has prided itself on a "realistic security" stance, backing stronger defense measures and even proposing legislation (which passed) to enable more active cyber defense. Tamaki's comments underscored that stance, as he noted his party helped initiate an Active Cyber Defense law, though "we need to train far more experts to implement it." On the other side of this issue stand the JCP and SDP, whose pacifist views are increasingly isolated. Tamura dismissed the ruling party's military buildup plans as dangerous, arguing that "stockpiling missiles to attack other countries – is that what we call defense? If we get into a missiles-versus-missiles race, how can peace ever come out of that?" she challenged. "The most realistic security policy," she claimed, "is making sure disputes never turn into war, through diplomacy, nothing else." Japanese Communist Party Chair Tomoko Tamura delivers her first campaign speech in front of JR Ikebukuro Station. July 3, Toshima Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki) SDP's Fukushima likewise urged a diplomacy-first approach. She warned Japan against "joining America's wars," invoking the pacifist ideals of the postwar Constitution. Yet, even many voters who once hewed to pacifism are reconsidering in light of aggressive moves by China and North Korea. The fringe parties' refrain of absolute pacifism – "protect Article 9 peace at all costs" – has a dwindling audience. As one example, polls indicate the JCP is fighting merely to hold onto around five seats in this election, hardly a sign of surging support for its message. Meanwhile, the once-mainstream CDP has failed to gain ground. Despite attacking the LDP on inflation and pensions, polls suggest it will hold steady at around 22 seats, with no significant gains. Its urban liberal base appears fragmented or apathetic. The real competition in 2025 is no longer between the LDP and the largest opposition party, but from newer forces reshaping Japan's political map. Some polls now suggest the LDP-Komeito coalition could lose its upper house majority, a scenario once unthinkable. Prime Minister Ishiba has set a target of 50 seats (including coalition partners) to hold control. Many observers believe this will not happen. Whether voters stick with the status quo or decide to give others a chance may define the next chapter of Japanese politics. Author: Daniel Manning
Otago Daily Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Tamaki heads south to hunt
Brian Tamaki. PHOTO: NINA TAPU Hunting wild game to feed the hungry lures Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki to the Deep South once a year. Mr Tamaki visited Invercargill at the weekend, where he gave a sermon, before travelling to Te Anau to hunt wild deer and boars to help feed some impoverished Aucklanders. Mr Tamaki said he had hunted for game in Te Anau with his family for the past 15 years. He had developed good relationships with Southland farmers and hunters over the years which meant he could do the hunting, get the meat packed and transported to Auckland "at no cost", he said. An Auckland manufacturer then distributed the venison meat packs to local churches and charity groups. "I have made good friends with the people that I go out hunting with in Te Anau and, every year, they come out and help," he said. He said he looked forward to his annual jaunt and expected he and his group would get plenty of game.
RNZ News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Peeni Henare to contest Tāmaki Makaurau by-election for Labour
Labour MP Peeni Henare. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Labour MP Peeni Henare has been confirmed as his party's candidate for the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. The by-election was sparked by the death of Te Pati Maori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp last month. Henare previously held the Tāmaki Makaurau seat, before being beaten by Kemp in the 2023 election by a majority of just four votes over Henare in 2023, with a recount widening the margin. Henare had held the seat since 2014. "I am humbled and honoured to be selected to represent Labour in the upcoming by-election," Henare said. He said jobs, access to quality and affordable health services, affordable housing and relief from the rising cost of living were a top priority. "Tāmaki Makaurau is where I was born and is my home. I know the challenges that many whānau are facing. The cost of living is putting significant pressure on whānau just to put kai on the table," Henare said. "My focus is clear. To fight for real solutions so our people can flourish. "This means better paying jobs, making sure that when whānau are sick, they don't need to choose between kai and seeing the doctor and it means getting more whānau into warm dry and safe homes." Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Henare is the leader Tāmaki Makaurau needs. "He has the experience and track record to deliver real solutions for working families, rangatahi, kaumātua and our most vulnerable whānau," Hipkins said. Former Newshub broadcaster Oriini Kaipara has been chosen to contest the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election for Te Pāti Māori. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is yet to announce the date for a by-election. However, the Speaker of the House published the notice of vacancy in the Gazette on Wednesday, meaning the Governor-General will issue a writ within 21 days of 9 July, instructing the Chief Electoral Officer to conduct the by-election. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Asahi Shimbun
03-07-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
DPP softens election wording seen as hostile to foreigners
Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, at a news conference on July 2 (Yuki Minami) The Democratic Party for the People modified language in its Upper House election manifesto that was criticized as xenophobic by voices both inside and outside the party. A campaign pledge pamphlet released on June 17 contains a message by DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki that said in part, 'We will spend taxes paid by Japanese people on policies for Japanese people by reviewing excessive preferential treatment for foreigners.' The document has also been published on the DPP website. In a version available on July 2, the latter part of the sentence read: 'by promoting appropriate implementation of systems applied to foreigners.' The DPP has not publicly announced the change. However, a senior party official said the DPP has responded based on opinions it received from voters during street speeches and other events. A young party member said the initial wording was 'too blunt,' speculating that the DPP leadership is desperate to keep Sanseito, a rising political party that advocates a 'Japanese-first policy,' from poaching conservative voters. At a news conference on July 2, Tamaki announced an additional public pledge for the July 20 Upper House election taking aim at foreign real-estate investors. He said home prices have soared in urban centers due partly to purchases by overseas investors for non-residential, speculative purposes and proposed a 'vacancy tax' to curb such property acquisitions. Meanwhile, Tamaki has apparently done a flip-flop on a proposed consumption tax cut, a key plank of his party's campaign pledges. The DPP has called for lowering the consumption tax rate to 5 percent until real wages rise in a sustained manner. In an interview with The Asahi Shimbun and other media outlets on July 1, Tamaki said substantial wage increases this year do not entail a consumption tax cut as an economic stimulus. He added that he will decide on the issue based on U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which could adversely affect vehicle sales and the automotive industry. However, Tamaki said a consumption tax reduction is definitely necessary at the news conference the following day, immediately after Trump cast doubts on a successful conclusion of negotiations with Japan over U.S. tariffs. (This article was written by Ryutaro Abe and Yuki Minami.)
