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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Marta Lempart with pro-abortion activists Women's Strike (Strajk Kobiet) flags at the Parliamentary session room. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk is seen during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk is seen during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk is seen during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Marta Lempart with the Women's Strike (Strajk Kobiet) organisation activists pose at the Parliamentary hall. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Women's Strike (Strajk Kobiet) organisation activists at the Parliamentary hall. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Women's Strike (Strajk Kobiet) organisation activists at the Parliamentary hall. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Polish parliament voting on the abortion bill. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk casts his vote during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk is seen during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Women's Strike (Strajk Kobiet) organisation activists at the Parliamentary hall. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Jarosław Kaczynski is seen during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk casts his vote during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Polish parliament voting on the abortion bill. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Polish Lawmakers during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Polish Lawmakers during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk is seen during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

PM Donald Tusk talks to Jagna Marczulajtis, during the voting on the abortion bill in the parliament. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Polish parliament voting on the abortion bill. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Anti-abortion brochure is seen at the session room in the Polish parliament before the voting on the abortion bill. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Abortion Parliament Debate - Warsaw

Polish parliament voting on the abortion bill. The Polish Lawmakers in the lower house (Sejm) of parliament have voted in favour of sending all four different proposal of bills on abortion to a special commission. Two of the bills are aimed at legalising abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy and another focuses on decriminalisation. The fourth, introduced by the conservative Third Way alliance, seeks a return to strict 1993 laws. Marta Lempart, the leader of the Women's Strike organization (Strajk Kobiet), also appeared in the Sejm, along with pro-abortion activists who were present at the session room. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Warsaw, Poland, April 12, 2024. Photo by Damian Burzykowski/Newspix/ABACAPRESS.COM

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People observe silent prayer at Yasukuni

TOKYO, Japan - People observe a silent prayer at the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo at noon on Aug. 15, 2014, the 69th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Many lawmakers, including three Cabinet ministers, also visited there, drawing criticism from China and South Korea.

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DPJ postpones leadership election

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda bows at a general meeting of Democratic Party of Japan lawmakers at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2012. At the meeting, the DPJ dropped its plan to hold a party presidential election on Dec. 22 as many DPJ lawmakers said it was premature to pick a new leader only a week after the party's crushing defeat in the general election.

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DPJ postpones leadership election

TOKYO, Japan - A general meeting of Democratic Party of Japan lawmakers is held at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2012. At the meeting, the DPJ dropped its plan to hold a party presidential election on Dec. 22 as many DPJ lawmakers said it was premature to pick a new leader only a week after the party's crushing defeat in the general election.

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DPJ lawmakers opposing TPP talks visit U.S.

WASHINGTON, United States - Masahiko Yamada, former Japanese farm minister, speaks during a press conference in Washington on Jan. 11, 2012. A group of six ruling Democratic Party of Japan lawmakers opposed to Tokyo's participation in the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, including Yamada, wrapped up a three-day visit to the United States that day. Yamada said the group conveyed to U.S. officials that many Japanese people, particularly young people, have growing concerns about joining the TPP talks.

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Thai protesters enter 'no-go' areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thai police stand in front of parliament to guard it against antigovernment protesters in Bangkok on April 7, 2010. The protestors, many of them supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding fresh national elections, broke into parliament, forcing the Cabinet and lawmakers to cut short their sessions.

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Thai protesters enter 'no-go' areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand - Antigovernment protesters ride trucks to parliament in Bangkok on April 7, 2010. The protestors, many of them supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding fresh national elections, broke into parliament, forcing the Cabinet and lawmakers to cut short their sessions.

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Thai protesters enter 'no-go' areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand - Antigovernment protesters face off against police as they approach the main entrance of parliament in Bangkok on April 7, 2010. The protestors, many of them supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding fresh national elections, broke into parliament, forcing the Cabinet and lawmakers to cut short their sessions.

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Hatoyama attends lower house budget committee

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama takes a sip of water during a House of Representatives Budget Committee debate on Jan. 22, 2010. The prime minister's remarks on funding scandals involving his right-hand man Ichiro Ozawa have baffled many lawmakers.

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Hatoyama attends Cabinet meeting

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama heads to a Cabinet meeting at the Diet in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2010. The prime minister's remarks on funding scandals involving his right-hand man Ichiro Ozawa have baffled many lawmakers.

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Japanese, U.S. lawmakers hold official exchange meeting

WASHINGTON, United States - Twelve Japanese (R side) and as many U.S. (L side) lawmakers hold the first meeting under a newly-created official Japan-U.S. parliamentarians' exchange organization in Washington on June 17. The organization was set up to help promote relations between the two countries.

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LDP panel calls for passage of bill banning N. Korean ships

TOKYO, Japan - Mitoji Yabunaka, director general of the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, heads to a Liberal Democratic Party foreign affairs panel meeting in Tokyo May 25. Many lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Pyongyang May 22 and called for a bill to ban port calls by North Korean ships to be passed during the current Diet session.

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Incumbent DPJ leader Kan hopes to garner votes

TOKYO, Japan - Incumbent Democratic Party of Japan leader Naoto Kan chats with reporters before his home in the city of Musashino, eastern Tokyo, on Sept. 11, when the party's top post race formally began. Kan, 52, who has not a strong foothold in the largest opposition party's lawmakers, hopes to garner votes as many as possible in the Sept. 25 leader election.

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Japanese, U.S. lawmakers hold official exchange meeting

WASHINGTON, United States - Twelve Japanese (R side) and as many U.S. (L side) lawmakers hold the first meeting under a newly-created official Japan-U.S. parliamentarians' exchange organization in Washington on June 17. The organization was set up to help promote relations between the two countries. (Kyodo)

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LDP panel calls for passage of bill banning N. Korean ships

TOKYO, Japan - Mitoji Yabunaka, director general of the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, heads to a Liberal Democratic Party foreign affairs panel meeting in Tokyo May 25. Many lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Pyongyang May 22 and called for a bill to ban port calls by North Korean ships to be passed during the current Diet session. (Kyodo)

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Constitution reform likely in sight after upper house race: poll

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe runs in the city of Matsuyama on June 11, 2016, during his campaign for the July 10 House of Councillors election. A Kyodo News survey has indicated that amending Japan's Constitution is within reach, as many lawmakers in favor of such reform are likely to win in the election, which would pave the way to securing the required two-thirds majority in the upper house. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Thai protesters enter 'no-go' areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand - Antigovernment protesters face off against police as they approach the main entrance of parliament in Bangkok on April 7, 2010. The protestors, many of them supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding fresh national elections, broke into parliament, forcing the Cabinet and lawmakers to cut short their sessions. (Kyodo)

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Thai protesters enter 'no-go' areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thai police stand in front of parliament to guard it against antigovernment protesters in Bangkok on April 7, 2010. The protestors, many of them supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding fresh national elections, broke into parliament, forcing the Cabinet and lawmakers to cut short their sessions. (Kyodo)

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Thai protesters enter 'no-go' areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand - Antigovernment protesters ride trucks to parliament in Bangkok on April 7, 2010. The protestors, many of them supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding fresh national elections, broke into parliament, forcing the Cabinet and lawmakers to cut short their sessions. (Kyodo)

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Incumbent DPJ leader Kan hopes to garner votes

TOKYO, Japan - Incumbent Democratic Party of Japan leader Naoto Kan chats with reporters before his home in the city of Musashimo, eastern Tokyo, on Sept. 11, when the party's top post race formally began. Kan, 52, who has not a strong foothold in the largest opposition party's lawmakers, hopes to garner votes as many as possible in the Sept. 25 leader election.

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People observe silent prayer at Yasukuni

TOKYO, Japan - People observe a silent prayer at the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo at noon on Aug. 15, 2014, the 69th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Many lawmakers, including three Cabinet ministers, also visited there, drawing criticism from China and South Korea. (Kyodo)

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Hatoyama attends Cabinet meeting

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama heads to a Cabinet meeting at the Diet in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2010. The prime minister's remarks on funding scandals involving his right-hand man Ichiro Ozawa have baffled many lawmakers. (Kyodo)

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Hatoyama attends lower house budget committee

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama takes a sip of water during a House of Representatives Budget Committee debate on Jan. 22, 2010. The prime minister's remarks on funding scandals involving his right-hand man Ichiro Ozawa have baffled many lawmakers. (Kyodo)

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DPJ lawmakers opposing TPP talks visit U.S.

WASHINGTON, United States - Masahiko Yamada, former Japanese farm minister, speaks during a press conference in Washington on Jan. 11, 2012. A group of six ruling Democratic Party of Japan lawmakers opposed to Tokyo's participation in the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, including Yamada, wrapped up a three-day visit to the United States that day. Yamada said the group conveyed to U.S. officials that many Japanese people, particularly young people, have growing concerns about joining the TPP talks. (Kyodo)

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Land sale scandal in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R in front row) and Finance Minister Taro Aso (L in front row) attend a House of Councillors plenary session in Tokyo on March 9, 2018. Many empty seats are seen as opposition lawmakers refused to attend the session in protest over the Finance Ministry's "insufficient" disclosure of government documents on the settlement of a state land sale. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Land sale scandal in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R, standing) speaks during a House of Councillors plenary session in Tokyo on March 9, 2018. Many empty seats are seen as opposition lawmakers refused to attend the session in protest over the Finance Ministry's "insufficient" disclosure of government documents on the settlement of a state land sale. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Dalai Lama speaks to Japanese lawmakers

The Dalai Lama makes a speech in front of about 230 people, many of them lawmakers, in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2016. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo