Group 1 - The primary task of the new government is to address the rising cost of living faced by the Japanese public [1] - Acknowledgment of the significant issue of population decline, with plans to establish a system that includes child and parenting policies to tackle this problem [1] Group 2 - High City Sanna emphasized the importance of political stability for advancing effective economic policies and robust diplomatic and security measures [2] - The Japan-U.S. alliance is highlighted as the cornerstone of Japan's diplomatic and security policy [2] - Plans to achieve the defense spending target of 2% of GDP by implementing related measures within the current fiscal year [2]

Group 1 - The Japan Restoration Party (维新会) is set to join a coalition government with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (自民党), with a formal agreement expected to be signed on the 20th [1][2] - The coalition will initially operate under an "outside cabinet cooperation" model, meaning that members of the Restoration Party will not hold cabinet positions at first, but may consider joining the cabinet if policy implementation progresses [2] - The Restoration Party has proposed significant political reforms, including a 10% reduction in the number of National Diet members and a ban on corporate and organizational political donations, which may create tensions within the coalition [3] Group 2 - The upcoming prime ministerial election on the 21st is likely to see the Restoration Party support the nomination of Sanae Takaichi, making her the first female prime minister of Japan [1][4] - The current composition of the House of Representatives is crucial, with the Liberal Democratic Party holding 196 seats and the Restoration Party holding 35 seats, requiring a majority of 233 seats for a prime ministerial nomination [4] - There are concerns regarding the governance of Japan, as the new prime minister will face challenges such as addressing rising prices and potential political instability, which could lead to a dissolution of the Diet and new elections [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Japan Restoration Party is negotiating with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to form a governing coalition, presenting a document outlining 12 policy demands, with a total of approximately 50 specific requests [1][3]. Economic Policies - The Japan Restoration Party aims to reduce the food consumption tax to zero within two years and withdraw the cash distribution plan promised by the LDP during the Senate elections [6]. - A comprehensive review of tax measures and subsidies is proposed, with a focus on eliminating ineffective projects [6]. Social Security - The party insists on fulfilling the agreement to lower social insurance fees, which aligns with the consensus reached among the LDP, Komeito, and the Japan Restoration Party [6]. - There is a proposal to redefine "elderly" to explore a fairer burden-sharing of social insurance fees [6]. Political Reform - The Japan Restoration Party is advocating for a ban on corporate and group donations, setting a cap of 10 million yen on annual donations to political groups [5][6]. - The party also proposes a 10% reduction in the number of Diet members, aiming to pass related legislation in the temporary Diet session of 2025 [9]. Foreign and Security Policies - The party seeks to revise security documents ahead of schedule and remove five categories of restrictions on the transfer of defense equipment [6]. - A proposal for a counter-espionage law is also on the agenda [6]. Differences and Negotiations - Significant differences exist between the Japan Restoration Party and the LDP regarding the regulation of corporate and group donations, with the former firmly opposing any concessions [3][8]. - The LDP supports transparency in funding and does not see the need for stricter regulations, leading to a breakdown in coalition talks with Komeito [9]. - Despite these differences, the Japan Restoration Party shows a willingness to negotiate, indicating a potential for compromise on other issues if their core demands are met [9].

Group 1 - The South Korean presidential election is entering its final week, with candidates Lee Jae-myung, Kim Moon-soo, and Lee Jun-suk in a competitive three-way race [1][2] - A final televised debate took place on the evening of the 27th, focusing on political polarization and candidates' platforms on political reform, foreign policy, and national security [1][2] - Polls indicate that Lee Jae-myung leads with a support rate of 49%, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 35% and Lee Jun-suk at 11%, with Lee Jae-myung maintaining his support level compared to earlier in the month [2][3] Group 2 - Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance in his foreign policy, advocating for substantial and future-oriented cooperation with the U.S. and Japan while also recognizing the significance of relations with China and Russia [2][3] - Concerns from Japan regarding Lee Jae-myung's potential presidency stem from his previous criticisms of past administrations' approaches to Japan, although he has recently softened his stance to attract centrist voters [3][4] - Investigations into former President Yoon Suk-yeol's emergency measures continue, with police taking action against former officials suspected of involvement in internal unrest [4]