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Tokyo Report
Japan’s Ruling Party Wants to Export Its Next-Generation Fighter. The Public Is Reluctant.
By Jio Kamata
The LDP's coalition partner is opposed to allowing exports of the co-produced fighters, citing public resistance to the idea.
Danger and Deterrence in Japan’s Security Environment
By Marcos González Gava
“We must handle the hypothesis of an imminent threat as long as nuclear weapons exist.”
Where Others Dither, Japan Delivers on Aid to Ukraine
By James Kaizuka
Japan’s support for Ukraine demonstrates strong leadership and provides a glimmer of hope amid a divided and increasingly paralyzed Western alliance.
Japan Bets on Carbon Capture and Storage Technology
By Daisuke Akimoto
CCS has stoked controversy elsewhere, but Japan is doubling down on the technology as a path to clean hydrogen and, eventually, net-zero emissions.
Can Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Escape Factional Politics?
By Zhuoran Li
As long as the factions’ influence on personnel affairs continues, factionalism will not disappear within the LDP.
Kishida’s Struggle to Win Over Japan’s Conservatives
By Jio Kamata
Despite progress on key conservative priorities, the Japanese prime minister hasn’t been able to shake his liberal reputation.
After Leak, Safety Panel Urges Fukushima Nuclear Plant Operator to Communicate Better
By Mari Yamaguchi
Last week’s leak of highly radioactive water could have been prevented, experts said, urging TEPCO to “very quickly communicate to the public what happened and why.”
The Osaka Expo Could Make or Break Nippon Ishin’s Political Future
By Jio Kamata
The success of Nippon Ishin as a national political force has originated from their effort to convince the voters of their competent governance in Osaka. The Expo is a major test.
Japan’s Governing Party Is Engulfed by a Slush Fund Scandal. Will It Spur Political Reform?
By Thisanka Siripala
The government is facing intense pressure over fears of widespread corruption and financial misconduct.
Japan, Italy Agree to Further Strengthen Bilateral Defense Ties
By Takahashi Kosuke
Meeting in Tokyo, Prime Ministers Kishida Fumio and Giorgia Meloni discussed naval port calls, enlarged joint exercises, and expanded cooperation.
Japan’s Nuclear Follies
By Jeff Kingston
Nuclear energy may make sense in places where reactors can be operated safely, but Japan is a seismically active archipelago.
Kishida’s Unfinished Business: Political Economy of Wage Increases in Japan
By Hironori Sasada and Tadashi Iwami
The battle against wage stagnation, a key goal of Kishida’s Cabinet, cannot be won without empowering labor unions.