Country
Japan
China Sets Record for Activity Near Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in 2023
By Takahashi Kosuke
China has quietly increased its presence in the East China Sea, challenging Japan's control of the disputed islands.
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
By Takahashi Kosuke
Tokyo will face three major challenges to implement the policy change.
Japan-South Korea Cooperation: Strength in Unity, Danger in Division
By James Kaizuka
Deepened trilateral cooperation between the U.S. and its two key East Asian allies is a positive development, but the fragility of Japanese and South Korean leadership underscores the importance of long-term reconciliation.
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
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?
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.
ASEAN, Japan Pledge to Boost Maritime Security Cooperation
By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides agreed to complement long-standing economic ties by promoting “a rules-based Indo-Pacific region."
Japan, Malaysia Announce Diplomatic Upgrade, Enhanced Security Cooperation
By Sebastian Strangio
Tokyo announced a grant of $2.8 million to to boost Malaysia's maritime security under its new Overseas Security Assistance initiative.
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.
Japan-Italy-UK Joint Fighter Program Takes a Step Forward With New Treaty
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan, Britain, and Italy agreed to establish a joint organization to develop a new sixth-generation fighter jet.
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.