Blog
Tokyo Report
WHO Staff Complaint, Email Allege Racism and Abuse in Asia-Pacific Office
By Maria Cheng
Dr. Kasai Takeshi, head of the WHO’s Western Pacific region, has been accused of racist behavior as well as improperly sharing information with his home country, Japan.
Japan in Turmoil Over Omicron
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan has put two-thirds of the country under quasi-emergency measures as it struggles to curb the latest explosion of COVID-19 infections.
Official: Japan Hopes to Lead Asian Zero-emissions Push
By Mari Yamaguchi
Environmental groups and critics are urging Japan to focus more on promoting renewable energy.
Japan’s North Korea Missile Woes
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan is on high alert after a frenzied series of North Korean ballistic missile tests.
In Memory of ‘Kaifu Diplomacy’ During the Gulf War Turmoil
By Daisuke Akimoto
The late Kaifu Toshiki is regarded as a symbol of Japan’s changing diplomacy in the post-Cold War period.
Japan’s COVID-19 Surge Spreads at Alarming Speed
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan is showing signs of a “sixth wave” of coronavirus infections as the highly contagious Omicron variant tears through the community.
Japan’s Self-Destructive Immigration Policy
By Markus Bell
Criminalizing asylum seekers and stigmatizing immigration is only worsening Japan’s demographic crisis.
Japan Braces For Sixth Wave Driven By Omicron
By Thisanka Siripala
The spread of the new Omicron variant is on the rise and authorities are bracing for a worst case scenario.
The Gates-Kishida Talks and Japan’s New ‘Global Health Strategy’
By Daisuke Akimoto
The Gates Foundation has consistently collaborated with Japanese business leaders for the betterment of global health.
Japan OKs Record $317 Billion Extra Budget for COVID, Economy
By Mari Yamaguchi
The budget largely is to fund COVID-19 measures, including booster shot vaccines and cash payouts.
What to Expect From Japan’s ‘Economic Security’ Legislation
By Daisuke Akimoto
The Kishida administration has emphasized economic security, but what does it mean?
Kishida’s New Japan in the COVID-19 Era
By Thisanka Siripala
The shift to a post-pandemic era is at the center of Kishida’s new economic stimulus package, but the spread of Omicron threatens to derail Japan’s recovery.
Japan Needs an Energy Security Strategy for the Taiwan Strait
By Dustin Hinkley
It is critical that the National Security Strategy review announced by Prime Minister Kishida include policies to improve Japan’s energy security.
Can Japan’s Main Opposition Party Win Public Approval?
By Thisanka Siripala
The new leader of the CDP is focusing on a policy-based approach to rebuild after a crushing election loss.
Can Kishida Become Japan’s First Human Rights Prime Minister?
By Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and Christopher K. Lamont
Japan has rarely been keen to promote human rights and democracy overseas. That may change under Kishida and his new special adviser on human rights.
China Lashes Out at Japan’s Former PM Abe Over Taiwan Warning
By Associated Press
Abe Shinzo’s pointed comments on Taiwan drew an angry reaction from Beijing.
Japan’s New Pandemic Border Restrictions Disappoint Residents Stranded Abroad
By Thisanka Siripala
Many foreign residents have had their hopes to enter Japan dashed as new border controls make little impact.
Will Japan-South Korea Relations Ever Get Back on Track?
By Yuki Tatsumi
There has been a fundamental shift in the dynamics surrounding Japan-South Korea relations, with both sides hardening their approach.
Japan, Vietnam Look to Cyber Defense Against China
By Mari Yamaguchi
The cybersecurity agreement comes two months after the two countries struck a deal under which Japan will provide defense equipment and technology to Vietnam.
A New Flashpoint in Japan-Korea Relations
By SAKAMOTO Shigeki
Misgivings over the Korean Supreme Court’s ruling in September 2021.
Japan’s Ambivalent AUKUS Response
By TSURUOKA Michito
Tokyo has been generally welcoming, but not without a feeling of unease.
Japan Prepares for Winter Wave of Infections
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan's deadly summer peak, which brought the health care system to a standstill, has prompted a new coronavirus policy ahead of winter.
Previewing India-Japan Ties Under PM Kishida
By Titli Basu
Back in 2015, then-Foreign Minister Kishida helped shaped the India-Japan Indo-Pacific Vision 2025. Where do ties stand today?
The Challenges Ahead for Japan’s Kishida Government
By Rupakjyoti Borah
Kishida came to power at a fraught time for Japan, both at home and in its foreign relations.