The Diplomat | Author
Jio Kamata
Jio Kamata is a freelance writer and regular contributor to The Diplomat, as well as the Japanese opinion website Agora.
He graduated magna cum laude from the Global Studies program of Akita International University. His articles have also been published in The Japan Forward and The Japan Times.
December 17, 2024
Why Japan Is Worried After the Impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol
By Jio Kamata
South Korea’s diplomatic and security relations with Japan experienced a dramatic turnaround under Yoon. Tokyo fears that progress won't last under a new president.
November 14, 2024
Was the Abe-Trump ‘Bromance’ a Real Thing?
By Jio Kamata
There is no doubt that Abe and Trump had a genuine friendship. However, what is often overlooked was how hard Abe worked to make that a reality.
October 30, 2024
How Might Japan’s Hung Parliament Affect Foreign Policy?
By Jio Kamata
Whatever the result of the coalition talks currently underway, the opposition parties have more veto power than they have enjoyed in over a decade.
October 03, 2024
Ishiba Shigeru Wants a Stronger Japan-US Alliance. He Has an Unorthodox Vision For Doing That.
By Jio Kamata
Japan’s new prime minister has long called for more reciprocity in the alliance, including revisions in the Status of Forces Agreement and Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
September 17, 2024
‘Realism’ Looms Large Over the CDP Leadership Race
By Jio Kamata
Japan’s main opposition party is holding a leadership election. Is it ready to shake off the stigma of the previous DPJ government?
September 05, 2024
How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?
By Jio Kamata
For decades, hawkish economic policy was a hallmark of the LDP. Then Abe Shinzo changed the game with “Abenomics.”
July 19, 2024
The Coming Clash Between Japan’s Current and Former Prime Ministers
By Jio Kamata
The upcoming LDP election will be a battle over policy and personality, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his predecessor, Suga Yoshihide, symbolize the LDP's internal divide.
June 13, 2024
The Missed Opportunity of Japan’s Kishida Fumio
By Jio Kamata
The Japanese leader missed his chance to hold a snap election and cement his power. Now his leadership of both party and country is in jeopardy.
May 01, 2024
Will Izumi Kenta Be Japan’s Next Prime Minister?
By Jio Kamata
A CDP government looks more likely than ever – even if it’s still a low-odds proposition.
March 28, 2024
Is Japan Leaving Pacifism Behind?
By Jio Kamata
Although with deep hesitation, the country as a whole is beginning to reconfigure the meaning of pacifism.
March 06, 2024
Japan’s Ruling Party Wants to Export Its Next-Generation Fighter. The Public Is Reluctant.
By Jio Kamata
The LDP's coalition partner is opposed to allowing exports of the co-produced fighters, citing public resistance to the idea.
February 14, 2024
Kishida’s Struggle to Win Over Japan’s Conservatives
By Jio Kamata
Despite progress on key conservative priorities, the Japanese prime minister hasn’t been able to shake his liberal reputation.
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