NPR

Land Deal For Right-Wing Elementary School Plagues Japanese Prime Minister

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has denied involvement in a discounted sale of state-owned land for a new primary school. He says he'll resign if proof of his involvement is found.

On a back street in Osaka, the sound of schoolchildren floats out of Tsukamoto Kindergarten. A cuckoo clock and a stand of bamboo sit in front of the school building's orange facade — and Astro Boy, a cartoon figure, looks down from a window.

From its exterior, there's no visible sign that the school is at the center of a scandal on which the leader of Japan has staked his political future.

The school's owner is accused of using his relationship with Japan's first family to secure a plot of land for a new, right-wing primary school at a massive discount.

Despite the scandal,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
U.S. Report Says It's 'Reasonable To Assess' That Israel Has Violated Humanitarian Law
The State Department finds it likely that the Israeli military has committed abuses, but stops short of reaching any sweeping or definitive conclusions.
NPR3 min read
WNBA Teams Will Travel On Chartered Flights For The Next 2 Seasons, The League Says
Before, teams could travel on chartered flights during the postseason and for back-to-back games in the regular season. Many players said the change will make recovery easier and make them feel safer.
NPR4 min read
The U.N. General Assembly Backs The Palestinians' Membership Bid
The assembly voted by a wide margin to grant new "rights and privileges" to Palestine and called on the Security Council to reconsider the Palestinians' request to become a U.N. member.

Related Books & Audiobooks