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Tokyo Report
‘Hopeless’: Japan’s Weak Opposition No Match for Ruling LDP
By Mari Yamaguchi
Few expect the opposition to gain any ground in Japan’s upper house election on July 10.
Japan’s NATO Outreach Bears Fruit
By Mina Pollmann
Prime Minister Kishida's emphasis on unity with NATO over Russia paid off with recognition of China as a challenge to NATO's interests and security.
Can Japan’s Revamped Childcare Policy Get Workaholic Fathers to Take Leave?
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan has made childcare leave a top priority but the latest amendments show inconsistencies between the law and reality.
Ardern-Kishida Meeting: Stepping up the New Zealand-Japan Strategic Partnership
By Tadashi Iwami
The New Zealand prime minister's visit to Japan was a strategic move to reconnect with a close partner to deal with expanding security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
How the War in Ukraine Could Change Japan’s Refugee Policies
By Jakob Ranglin Grissler
The case of the Ukrainian refugees, who do not fall into the traditional definition of refugees, could add momentum to efforts to overhaul Japan’s refugee and immigration policies.
Japan Pushes for Stronger Cooperation to Counter China at G7
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan's prime minister stressed that Russia and China pose similar threats to the rules-based international order.
Same-Sex Marriage Ban Continues in Japan
By Airin Ri
A ruling by the Osaka district court reflects the same outdated rhetoric as the conservative government.
Japan’s PM Kishida Faces a Crucial National Election
By Purnendra Jain and Takeshi Kobayashi
Amid economic turmoil, how will Japan’s ruling bloc fare in upper house polls on July 10?
The Struggles of the Nippon Ishin no Kai
By Jio Kamata
The center-right populist party saw marked success in last year's election, but its support base remains limited at the national level.
Japan Top Court: Government Not Responsible for Fukushima Disaster
By Mari Yamaguchi
The four-judge bench said the government cannot be held liable because the damage from a massive tsunami that hit the plant could not have been prevented.
Greece, Japan, and Maritime Disputes
By Georgios Zacharias
As Greece’s maritime dispute with Turkey heats up, Athens is finding more and more common ground with Tokyo.
Kishida Vision for Peace: Japan’s Global Leadership Gambit
By Titli Basu
Is Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio proving to be as consequential a global statesman as his former boss, Abe Shinzo?