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Japan’s Prime Minister Battles Fallout After Anti-LGBTQ Gaffe
February 13, 2023

Japan’s Prime Minister Battles Fallout After Anti-LGBTQ Gaffe

By Thisanka Siripala
The Japanese government’s handling of homophobic comments by a top aide is under intense scrutiny as it seeks to revive a formally shelved LGBTQ bill.
Japan Downgrades COVID-19 Threat Despite Spike in Deaths
February 08, 2023

Japan Downgrades COVID-19 Threat Despite Spike in Deaths

By Thisanka Siripala
The government lowered the legal status of COVID-19 even as it grapples with a deadly outbreak. 

Japan, China Hold Foreign Minister Call Days After NATO Chief’s Visit
February 07, 2023

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?
February 01, 2023

Will Suga Yoshihide Make a Comeback?

By Jio F. 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
January 28, 2023

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
January 21, 2023

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
January 19, 2023

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
January 19, 2023

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
January 19, 2023

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
January 18, 2023

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
January 17, 2023

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
January 14, 2023

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.

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