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Tokyo Report
Where Next for ASEAN-Japan Relations in a Changing Indo-Pacific?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Both sides confront a challenging strategic context as they look to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Japan’s Politics Is Flooded With ‘Nepo Babies’
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan has an unusually high percentage of lawmakers who come from political dynasties – and it shows.
The Invasion of Ukraine Turned Japan’s Russia Policy on Its Head
By Jio Kamata
From attempts at flattery and concerted diplomacy in 2014, Tokyo has pivoted to sanctions in lockstep with the rest of the G-7.
Japan Suspects Chinese Spy Balloons Violated Its Airspace
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan is debating the appropriate response to tackle such surveillance following the U.S. shootdown of a balloon from China.
Will Japan Succeed in Its ‘Global South’ Diplomacy?
By Kei Hakata
A shift to values-based diplomacy must not jeopardize Japan’s long history of close engagement with the developing world.
Japan’s Prime Minister Battles Fallout After Anti-LGBTQ Gaffe
By Thisanka Siripala
The Japanese government’s handling of homophobic comments by a top aide is under intense scrutiny as it seeks to revive a formally shelved LGBTQ bill.
Japan Downgrades COVID-19 Threat Despite Spike in Deaths
By Thisanka Siripala
The government lowered the legal status of COVID-19 even as it grapples with a deadly outbreak.
Japan, China Hold Foreign Minister Call Days After NATO Chief’s Visit
By Mina Pollmann
Tokyo continues to try to keep relations with Beijing stable even as it deepens military cooperation with NATO and other partners.
Will Suga Yoshihide Make a Comeback?
By Jio Kamata
As Prime Minister Kishida fights flagging approval ratings, his predecessor is testing the political waters.
Japan’s Population Crisis Nears Point of No Return
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s population decline is following the worst-case scenario, prompting the government to devise urgent policies to incentivize more births.
Doubling the Defense Budget Won’t be Easy for Japan
By Daisuke Akimoto and Purnendra Jain
Kishida’s judgment on how to fund the defense budget increase will be a critical factor in his survival as prime minister.
Japan’s Largest Opposition Party Seeks Moderation, But the Base Disagrees
By Jio Kamata
After a decade in the political wilderness, the Constitutional Democratic Party is trying to broaden its appeal – but its base is not pleased.