Blog
Tokyo Report
Japan’s Defense Budget: Double or Nothing?
By Bradley Isakson
The Kishida administration should maintain a calculated, long-term approach to increasing Japan’s defense budget.
Japan Eases Foreign Tourism Ban, Allows Guided Package Tours
By Mari Yamaguchi
The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are being accepted from 98 countries and regions.
Japan Looks to Alaska to Shore up Energy Supplies
By Mina Pollmann
The energy-rich U.S. state has attracted increased interest from Japan as Tokyo seeks to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas.
Japan, NATO Boost Ties Amid Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
By Mari Yamaguchi
Japan’s defense minister hosted NATO officials this week, pledging more joint exercises and military cooperation.
China’s Charm Offensive in Indonesia and the Implications for Japan
By Yamazaki Amane and Hanada Ryosuke
Beijing's wooing of Southeast Asia's largest nation counsels a renewed focus on maritime Southeast Asia from Tokyo.
Why Japan Is Getting Tough on Russia Now
By Tsuruoka Michito
Kishida’s response to the war in Ukraine has been surprisingly robust.
An Emerging Australia-Japan Hydrogen Supply Chain
By Daisuke Akimoto
The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War reconfirmed Japan’s energy insecurity, but also highlighted the potential of Australia-Japan energy cooperation.
Is Japan Beginning to Overtake China on Infrastructure Financing in Kenya?
By Patrick Anam
A closer look at the trends and differences in Japanese vs. Chinese lending to Kenya.
Japan to Co-develop Future Fighter F-X With UK
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan may choose BAE Systems, not Lockheed Martin, to support Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in developing next-generation fighter aircraft.
Okinawa Marks 50 Years of End to US Rule Amid Protests
By Mari Yamaguchi
Fifty years after Okinawa was returned to Japan’s control, locals continue to decry the outsized burden the island group carries in the Japan-U.S. security alliance.
Japan’s Food Self-Sufficiency Debate Overlooks the Core Problem
By Yusaku Yoshikawa
It will be difficult to boost agricultural production without addressing the dwindling workforce in the sector.
Japan’s Weak Yen Hampers Its Post-COVID Recovery
By Thisanka Siripala
The Japanese yen has tumbled to its lowest level, pinching household purses and clouding Japan’s economic outlook.