Blog
Tokyo Report
Japanese Foreign Minister Banned by Russia Over Ukraine Sanctions
By Catherine Putz
Moscow doled out permanent entry bans on Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and eight other top officials and business leaders in retaliation for Japanese sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Japan’s Struggle to Resolve North Korean Abductions
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s decades-long struggle to resolve the abduction issue faces another setback as families oppose the government’s latest strategy of opening new liaison offices.
Chinese Buoy Placed in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone Removed
By TSURUTA Jun
The buoy was an example of repeated Chinese incursions into Japan’s EEZ.
Japan’s #MeToo Movement Takes Center Stage With Controversial ‘Black Box Diaries’ Documentary
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s #MeToo icon Ito Shiori faces backlash from her former legal team in Japan, which has delayed the premiere of her feature length documentary investigating her sexual assault.
Will Expo 2025 in Osaka Be a Success?
By Maximilien Xavier Rehm
Despite a host of setbacks, Expo 2025 in Osaka is set to open on time April.
Tokyo’s Shining, Segregated Future
By Paul Christensen
In Japan’s capital, “redevelopment” serves to destroy public space and fuel exclusionary endeavors.
Caught in the Shockwave: Japan-US Relations Under Trump
By Craig Kafura
Despite the good feelings following the first Ishiba-Trump summit, there are major challenges ahead.
Japan’s Pragmatic Model for AI Governance
By Charles Mok and Athena Tong
Japan's unique strategy – combining regulatory oversight, resource efficiency, and international partnership – offers a potential blueprint for the world.
The Strange Stability of the Japan-US Relationship
By Jio Kamata
The Ishiba-Trump summit symbolized the stability of the Japan-U.S. relationship under a disruptive U.S. president.
How the Real Murders Behind the Hit Novel ‘Butter’ Exposed Japanese Media Misogyny
By Martina Baradel
The “Konkatsu killer” case invites a deep reflection on the weight of societal expectations on gender and appearance in Japan.
Can Japan’s Ishiba Build a Good Personal Relationship With Trump?
By Takahashi Kosuke
Three things to watch at the first Japan-U.S. summit under both leaders.
Japanese Broadcaster Fuji TV’s Sexual Assault Scandal Sparks Major Corporate Crisis
By Thisanka Siripala
Fuji TV has been accused of cover-ups, mismanagement, and botched crisis response following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a celebrity TV personality.