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Tokyo Report
With Eyes on Taiwan, Okinawan Islands Seek Shelter
By Mina Pollmann
As tensions around Taiwan increase, remote Okinawan islands look to prepare for a possible conflict by investing in evacuation shelters and other defensive infrastructure.
Japan Makes Major Shift in Middle East Diplomacy
By SUZUKI Kazuto
A recent visit signals a major policy change.
Kishida’s Trip to Middle East Focuses on Energy, Defense Cooperation
By Mina Pollmann
There are ironies involved in both, given that fossil fuels ties Japan and the region together more than shared liberal values.
Japan, ASEAN, and ‘De-risking’ Through Free Trade
By SUKEGAWA Seiya
Japan should work with the bloc to preserve the free trade system.
Japan Forges Closer Ties to NATO
By Thisanka Siripala
Kishida champions the Free and Open Indo-Pacific message at the NATO summit.
Hong Kong Will Ban More Products From Japan If Treated Wastewater Is Discharged, Leader Says
By Kanis Leung
Chief Executive John Lee said in a press briefing that his government would err on the side of caution amid the unprecedented planned release of wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant.
North Korea Unsettles Kishida Government
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
Tokyo has been left puzzled by some recent moves from Pyongyang.
How Abe Shinzo Broke Japanese Politics
By Jio Kamata
With snap elections and sniping at the opposition, Abe eliminated any possible challenge. Without a viable opposition, some pursue extreme measures to bring about change.
A Look at Japan’s Latest Hydrogen Strategy
By Daisuke Akimoto
The Kishida administration last month announced its new hydrogen strategy, a key thrust in efforts to achieve decarbonization, a stable energy supply and economic growth.
IAEA Chief Visits Fukushima Before Radioactive Water Is Released
By Mari Yamaguchi
The Japanese government has been trying to gain credibility for the water release, which still faces persistent opposition in and outside Japan.
Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Edges Closer to Discharging Treated Wastewater Into Pacific
By Thisanka Siripala
The controversial release of treated wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is moving forward despite opposition.
Japan’s Victims of Forced Sterilizations Fight For State Compensation
By Thisanka Siripala
The government is taking a tough stance against compensating victims of the erstwhile Eugenic Protection Law.