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Tokyo Report
Abe’s Militaristic Funeral Captures Japan’s Internal Divisions
By Foster Klug
20,000 police officers and more than 1,000 soldiers were on patrol as thousands of protesters took to the streets.
The Mixed Legacy of Abe Shinzo’s ‘Panoramic’ Foreign Policy
By Rena Sasaki
Abe’s state funeral is a farewell for his all-encompassing diplomatic approach as Japan transitions toward a more values-based foreign policy.
What Did Japan’s Kishida Do at the UN General Assembly?
By Mina Pollmann
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio had a packed schedule on the sidelines on the U.N. General Assembly.
The Paradox of China-Japan Relations
By Jio Kamata
“Hot economics, cold politics” continues to underscore the China-Japan relationship. Even as political relations fray, economic ties have never been stronger.
How Will Tokyo’s Solar Panel Mandate Handle Allegations of Forced Labor in China?
By Daisuke Akimoto
Tokyo’s metropolitan government is requiring new construction to use solar panels, but the industry’s reliance on parts from Xinjiang poses a thorny moral dilemma.
Japan, US Discuss Longer Range Missiles to Counter China
By Thisanka Siripala
At a defense ministers’ meeting, Japan gets U.S. support to bolster its defenses with “counter strike capabilities.”
Japan and the Controversial Unification Church
By Thisanka Siripala
In a post-Abe era, Japanese politics has been rocked by the Unification Church’s links to LDP lawmakers.
Japan Set to Welcome Unrestricted Tourism by October
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s struggling tourism sector sees a light at the end of the tunnel as “self-guided” tours make way for full travel.
Okinawa Reelects Governor Opposing Heavy US Troop Presence
By Mari Yamaguchi
Resentment and frustration run deep in Okinawa because of the heavy U.S. presence and Tokyo's lack of efforts to negotiate with Washington.
Half of LDP National Lawmakers Tied to Unification Church
By Mari Yamaguchi
An internal survey by Japan’s ruling party confirmed widespread ties between the Liberal Democratic Party and the South Korea-based church.
NPT Conference Collapse, Military Drills Further Strain Japan-Russia Relations
By Mina Pollmann
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has seriously damaged Russia-Japan relations, and the fallout continues to be felt.
Tokyo Olympics Sponsorship Scandal Widens With More Arrests
By Yuri Kageyama
The latest allegations center on 76 million yen a former Tokyo Olympics organizing committee member received from Tokyo-based publishing company Kadokawa.