Overview
- The Liberal Democratic Party approved on Wednesday a revision to the retrial law that writes an “in‑principle” ban on prosecutors’ appeals into the main text, with the cabinet decision targeted for May 15.
- Senior prosecutors criticized the plan as unreasonable, saying it blocks only their side from challenging rulings and could lengthen courtroom fights once a retrial is granted.
- The government decided to postpone its bill to let people use their pre‑marriage surnames in daily life to a later Diet session, citing a crowded committee schedule even as the prime minister has signaled support.
- Japan’s Supreme Court asked the Diet’s judicial panel on Wednesday to seek impeachment of Niigata summary court judge Akifumi Morimoto, who has been indicted over online casino gambling, a step that could lead to his removal.
- Nagoya City canceled a squash test event after a water‑soaked ceiling part fell at Kinjofuto Arena, and officials warned the venue might not be available for the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games if repairs lag.