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Tokyo Report

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Japan’s New Years Day Celebrations Cut Short by Deadly Earthquake 

Japan’s New Years Day Celebrations Cut Short by Deadly Earthquake 

By Thisanka Siripala
Japan enters 2024 rocked by a powerful earthquake and a deadly airplane collision.
Japan Eases Rules on Lethal Weapon Exports

Japan Eases Rules on Lethal Weapon Exports

By Takahashi Kosuke
Tokyo will face three major challenges to implement the policy change.

Japan Approves 16.5% Increase in Defense Spending for FY2024

Japan Approves 16.5% Increase in Defense Spending for FY2024

By Takahashi Kosuke
For the tenth year in a row, the budget draft set a new record for national defense spending as Japan continues to pursue its Defense Buildup Program.

As Scandal Engulfs the LDP, the Kishida Administration Goes on

As Scandal Engulfs the LDP, the Kishida Administration Goes on

By Jio Kamata
Despite a growing scandal and bottom-dwelling approval ratings, Prime Minister Kishida faces a window of stability.

The Engaging Outsider: Can Ishiba Shigeru’s Iconoclastic Policies Gain Traction?

The Engaging Outsider: Can Ishiba Shigeru’s Iconoclastic Policies Gain Traction?

By Kenji Yoshida and Jason Morgan
The longtime LDP leader has never won the top office, in part because of the pragmatic approach that makes him popular with the public.
Moving Beyond ‘Checkbook Diplomacy’? Japan’s Changing Refugee Policy

Moving Beyond ‘Checkbook Diplomacy’? Japan’s Changing Refugee Policy

By Maximilien Xavier Rehm
In its response to recent events in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, Japan has demonstrated greater flexibility in admitting those needing refuge.

Kishida Replaces 4 Cabinet Members as Japan’s Political Fundraising Scandal Deepens 

Kishida Replaces 4 Cabinet Members as Japan’s Political Fundraising Scandal Deepens 

By Thisanka Siripala
The government is in damage control mode as it scrambles to contain public distrust over underreported fundraising revenue.
Slush Fund Scandal Rocks Japan’s Ruling Party

Slush Fund Scandal Rocks Japan’s Ruling Party

By Shannon Tiezzi
Allegations that members of the LDP underreported fundraising income to create a slush fund have shaken up the political scene.

How Green Is Japan’s COP28 Commitment?

How Green Is Japan’s COP28 Commitment?

By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s decarbonization strategy is being slammed by environmental groups for prioritizing “clean” coal. 

Japan Fears Growing Threat From North Korea’s Latest Spy Satellite  

Japan Fears Growing Threat From North Korea’s Latest Spy Satellite  

By Thisanka Siripala
Japan goes back to the drawing board to tackle North Korea’s spy satellite and advancing nuclear weapons program.  

Is Prime Minister Kishida Leading Japan by Default?

Is Prime Minister Kishida Leading Japan by Default?

By Aurelia George Mulgan
With plummeting approval ratings, Kishida's biggest strength seems to be that there's no obvious candidate to replace him.
Japan’s ‘Balanced’ Position on Palestine Fails to Impress 

Japan’s ‘Balanced’ Position on Palestine Fails to Impress 

By Thisanka Siripala
In Japan, protests calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza are at odds with the government’s stance in the Israeli-Hamas war. 

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