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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

March 27, 2024

South Korea’s JoongAng Hires Japanese Reporter as Tokyo Correspondent

By Takahashi Kosuke

It’s the first time that any South Korean newspaper has ever employed a Japanese reporter as a staff writer.

March 16, 2024

After Months of Talks, Japan’s Ruling Coalition Agrees to Allow the Sale of Its Next-Gen Fighter Jets

By Takahashi Kosuke

The LDP was able to convince its traditionally pacifist partner, Komeito, to okay yet another loosening of defense export rules.

March 07, 2024

Australia Lists Japan’s Mogami Class as 1 of 4 Contenders for Its Next Frigate

By Takahashi Kosuke

The JMSDF chief praised the move as “a sign of the high trust and evaluation” of Japanese defense equipment.

March 01, 2024

Will Japan’s Defense Spending Hike Be Enough?

By Takahashi Kosuke

A weaker yen and recent price surges are causing headaches for Japan's defense budget.

February 17, 2024

Japan’s Plan for a New JGSDF Training Site in Okinawa Stokes Opposition

By Takahashi Kosuke

The Ministry of Defense plans to build a new training ground for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in the central area of Okinawa's main island.

February 06, 2024

Japan, Italy Agree to Further Strengthen Bilateral Defense Ties

By Takahashi Kosuke

Meeting in Tokyo, Prime Ministers Kishida Fumio and Giorgia Meloni discussed naval port calls, enlarged joint exercises, and expanded cooperation.

February 02, 2024

Leo Bosner on Japan’s Disaster Management

By Takahashi Kosuke

“Japan’s biggest problem in disaster response is not a lack of hardware, it’s a lack of planning, organizing, and interagency coordination.”

January 17, 2024

US Forces Japan Join JSDF Earthquake Relief Efforts

By Takahashi Kosuke

This is the first time that the U.S. military will provide assistance to an earthquake-affected area in Japan since 2016.

January 13, 2024

Why Japan Needs Its Own Version of FEMA

By Takahashi Kosuke

A series of tragedies thus far in 2024 shows why it’s high time to establish a specialized agency for disaster management.

January 04, 2024

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.

December 29, 2023

Japan Eases Rules on Lethal Weapon Exports

By Takahashi Kosuke

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

December 22, 2023

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.