February 20, 2026

Japan Press Weekly No. 3447

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/

IN THIS ISSUE

USFJ may retain both Futenma base even after new Henoko base is constructed

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16147

The new base construction is facing difficulties due to soft ground conditions at the site. Even if the base is completed, it may be unusable, which could explain why the U.S. military is reluctant to give up Futenma as previously agreed upon.

Major arms firms provide over 220 million yen in political donations to LDP

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16148

Top companies in the Japanese arms industry in 2024 donated over 220 million yen to the Liberal Democratic Party's political fund management body, the People's Political Association.

Former CDPJ accepts Article 9 amendment and promotes nuclear power

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16149

Centrist Reform Alliance new leader Ogawa implied that the amendment of Article 9 is "not absolutely impossible" and "not unthinkable".

CONTENTS

POLITICS

Single-member district system gives LDP 'false supermajority' in Feb.8 general election https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16150

Former CDPJ accepts Article 9 amendment and promotes nuclear power

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16149

Major arms firms provide over 220 million yen in political donations to LDP

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16148

Gov't seeks to exclude foreigners from welfare protection program

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16151

US FORCES

USFJ may retain both Futenma base even after new Henoko base is constructed

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16147

2 US Marines arrested for theft

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16152

LABOR

Union workers stage day of action to pressure Toyota to use portion of internal reserves for substantial wage hikes

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16153

JCP

Kasai attends reception celebrating Iranian Revolution anniversary

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16154

Shii talks with Cuban ambassador to Japan

https://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=16155

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