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Tokyo Report
The Underestimated Strength of Kishida Fumio
By Jio Kamata
Kishida’s paramount political asset may be his harmless persona.
Japan FM to Visit China as Tokyo Imposes New Export Controls
By Mari Yamaguchi
Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa will head to China on April 1, a day after Tokyo unveiled new export controls on materials used for semiconductor manufacturing.
India-Japan Relations: Out of the Shadow of Ukraine
By Titli Basu
Amid fractured global politics, Kishida’s visit to New Delhi proved how crucial India in for Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
What’s Driving the Japan-South Korea Thaw?
By Mina Pollmann
Between China and North Korea, the logic for increased Japan-South Korea cooperation is clear. All that was lacking was political will.
The Politics of Sexual Minorities in Japan
By Vindu Mai Chotani and Olivier Ammour-Mayeur
Despite efforts at the local level, LGBTQ rights won’t move forward much unless the LDP can find the political will to make it happen.
The Japan-South Korea Thaw Is Far From a Done Deal
By Jio Kamata
Japan's Kishida and South Korea's Yoon are ready to mend relations, but both leaders face problems back home.
Fukushima 12 Years After the Nuclear Accident
By Thisanka Siripala
While radiation levels return to normal in towns around the accident epicenter, revitalization is weighed down by accumulating piles of contaminated soil.
Japan Launches H3 Rocket, Destroys It Over 2nd-Stage Failure
By Mari Yamaguchi
The failure of Japan’s new rocket series, already long delayed, was a setback for the country’s space program.
Japan Welcomes South Korean Deal to End Colonial Era Forced Labor Dispute
By Thisanka Siripala
The long unresolved forced labor dispute nears closure, with South Korea deciding to shoulder victim compensation through donations.
Where Next for ASEAN-Japan Relations in a Changing Indo-Pacific?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Both sides confront a challenging strategic context as they look to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Japan’s Politics Is Flooded With ‘Nepo Babies’
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan has an unusually high percentage of lawmakers who come from political dynasties – and it shows.
The Invasion of Ukraine Turned Japan’s Russia Policy on Its Head
By Jio Kamata
From attempts at flattery and concerted diplomacy in 2014, Tokyo has pivoted to sanctions in lockstep with the rest of the G-7.