Jio Kamata

Polls consistently show a majority of Japanese favor same-sex marriage – but not enough to apply political pressure. Opponents, however, are vocal. 

Public sentiment could seriously constrain Japan’s actions in a military conflict – for example, if China were to invade Taiwan.

Again and again, Japanese prime ministers have hesitated to go against the powerful conservative faction to offer a direct apology for Japan's colonial period.

The unfolding crisis in Sudan has drawn attention to Japan’s only overseas base – and some of the problems surrounding the installation.

Kishida’s paramount political asset may be his harmless persona.

From attempts at flattery and concerted diplomacy in 2014, Tokyo has pivoted to sanctions in lockstep with the rest of the G-7.

As Prime Minister Kishida fights flagging approval ratings, his predecessor is testing the political waters.

After a decade in the political wilderness, the Constitutional Democratic Party is trying to broaden its appeal – but its base is not pleased.

Kishida and the LDP may not face a national election until 2025, but the prime minister is already on shaky ground.

Throughout his political career, former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was at the center of Japanese conservative politics. With him gone, how will the conservative movement go forward?

“Hot economics, cold politics” continues to underscore the China-Japan relationship. Even as political relations fray, economic ties have never been stronger.

As former PM Abe Shinzo’s state funeral – Japan’s first in 55 years – inches closer, more and more Japanese are turning against the idea.