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Tokyo Report
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.
The Unification Church, Japan, and North Korea
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
The Unification Church and North Korea are closely linked, despite the church's adamant anti-communist stance.
Surviving Old Age Is Getting Harder in Japan
By Thisanka Siripala
Seniors living in poverty or working to supplement their income are on the rise as Japan’s public pension system cracks under a super aging society.
Japan, US Emphasize Security Cooperation During Kishida Visit
By Mina Pollmann
The Japanese prime minister's U.S. visit, and the latest 2+2 consultations, emphasized an even-closer alliance amid Japan's changing security posture.
Kishida’s 3 Dilemmas as G7 President
By Takahashi Kosuke
After his successful tour of 5 G-7 partners, Japan’s three main challenges are apparent: Russia, China, and nuclear weapons.
Japan Eyes Delay of Fukushima Plant Water Release
By Mari Yamaguchi
The plan to released treated radioactive wastewater has been fiercely opposed by local residents and Japan's neighbors, including China and South Korea.
Japan’s Winter Energy Crunch Marks Return to Nuclear Power
By Thisanka Siripala
The country’s worsening energy supply shortage is seeing nuclear power play a greater role in its energy mix.
For Kishida and Biden, a Stronger Japanese Defense Posture Is Only Half the Battle
By Craig Kafura
It’s one thing to commit to a stronger military and another thing to use it.