Read The Diplomat, Know The Asia-Pacific

The Diplomat | Author

Takahashi Kosuke

Takahashi Kosuke is Tokyo Correspondent for The Diplomat.

Takahashi Kosuke is former Tokyo Correspondent for Janes Defence Weekly and former editor-in-chief of HuffPost Japan. He also was a former staff writer at The Asahi Shimbun and Bloomberg.

Takahashi graduated from Keio University with a B.A. in economics in 1993. After working for The Asahi Shimbun and Dow Jones, he studied at Columbia University’s Journalism School and School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and graduated with Master of Science in Journalism and Master of International Affairs in 2004. Prior to joining the Asahi as a reporter in 1993, he worked for Baltimore Economic Development Corporation as an exchange trainee to a sister city program of Kawasaki City, and researched trade issues between the United States and Japan. He was awarded an Honorary citizenship of Baltimore for his work in 1988.

Posts by Takahashi Kosuke

February 21, 2025

The Nansei Islands: Japan’s Frontline in a Taiwan Emergency

By Takahashi Kosuke

China is ramping up its military actions and raising tensions in the Nansei Islands. Japan is bolstering its presence in response. Locals are caught in the middle.

February 06, 2025

Can Japan’s Ishiba Build a Good Personal Relationship With Trump?

By Takahashi Kosuke

Three things to watch at the first Japan-U.S. summit under both leaders.

January 29, 2025

Japan, the UK, and Italy Discuss Bringing Saudi Arabia Into Their Next-Generation Fighter Jet Project

By Takahashi Kosuke

Should Japan prioritize shared values or securing oil money?

January 24, 2025

What Japan’s Late PM Abe Shinzo Thought of Trump’s ‘True Nature’

By Takahashi Kosuke

Comments from Abe Shinzo and his widow Abe Akie suggest that they saw cowardice lurking behind Trump’s bravado.

January 07, 2025

Japan Aims to Make Sasebo a Strong Foothold for Amphibious Operations for the Self-Defense Forces

By Takahashi Kosuke

Japan aims to bolster capabilities to defend and recapture remote islands, especially in its southwestern Nansei island chain.

January 02, 2025

China Sets Record for Activity Near Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in 2024

By Takahashi Kosuke

The China Coast Guard (CCG) is sending its larger and heavily armed ships near the disputed islands.

December 27, 2024

Japan Approves 9.4 Percent Increase in Defense Spending for FY2025

By Takahashi Kosuke

For the 11th year in a row, the budget draft set a new record for national defense spending as Japan continues to pursue its Defense Buildup Program.

December 19, 2024

Japan’s MHI Launches 10th Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate for JMSDF

By Takahashi Kosuke

Tokyo is rapidly acquiring missile-laden combat frigates to counter China and Russia in the East China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific theater.

December 06, 2024

Yoon’s Martial Law Declaration Puts Japan-South Korea Relations in Jeopardy

By Takahashi Kosuke

The political chaos in Seoul is casting dark clouds over not only Japan-South Korea relations but also Japan-South Korea-U.S. trilateral security cooperation.

November 29, 2024

Japan, Germany Listed as Finalists for Royal Australian Navy’s Future Frigates

By Takahashi Kosuke

Will Australia strategically choose Tokyo to strengthen bilateral cooperation? Or will it opt for a German-designed frigate that is familiar to the Royal Australian Navy?

November 15, 2024

The Tyranny of Distance: What Trump Needs to Know About the Japan-US Alliance

By Takahashi Kosuke

Accusations that Japan is free-riding on U.S. security guarantees overlook the immense strategic and geographical value of U.S. military bases in Japan, including Okinawa and Yokosuka.

November 05, 2024

Japan Awards MHI $368 Million Contract for Development of the Glide Phase Interceptor

By Takahashi Kosuke

Japan and the United States are planning to complete development of the next-generation missile defense system by the 2030s.