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Tokyo Report
Japan’s Moment to Act on Forced Labor in Supply Chains
By Airin Ri and Anasuya Syam
Despite past commitments, Japan is the only G-7 member that has not imposed sanctions on Beijing for its state policy of forced labor.
Japan’s Foreign Minister to Attend South Korean President’s Inauguration
By Mari Yamaguchi
The decision to send Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa to Seoul signals Japan’s willingness to improve dialogue with South Korea. President-elect Yoon has made similar overtures.
What the 2022 Diplomatic Blue Book Reveals About Japan’s Taiwan Policy
By Victor Lin
Japan’s concerns about stability in the Taiwan Strait have resulted in a new focus on the issue.
What’s Behind Japan’s Continued COVID-19 Border Restrictions?
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan remains closed to international tourists and has not yet made plans to reopen despite a global trend to lift pandemic entry restrictions.
Explaining the Impasse in Japan’s Relations with North Korea
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
Pyongyang is dismissive of Tokyo, but the latter still has an important card to play.
Under Kishida, Tokyo Sharpens Its Focus on Cambodia
By Luke Hunt
Prime Minister Hun Sen has requested a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Japan.
Japan’s New Diplomatic Bluebook: Revised by the Russia-Ukraine War
By Daisuke Akimoto
Japan has changed its approach to Russia compared to past editions of the annual report. Has Tokyo given up on a peace treaty with Moscow?
Is Japan Willing to Pay the Price of Sanctioning Russia?
By Christopher Edward Carroll
Prime Minister Kishida has moved forward with sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. So far the public is willing to shoulder the economic burden.
Japan’s Approach to Ukrainian Refugees Is What Its Refugee Policy Ought To Be
By Arnab Dasgupta
Japan’s willingness to embrace Ukrainian refugees stems from its hierarchical view of the world and its economic-first view of migrants.
Japan to Expel 8 Russian Officials, Impose New Sanctions
By Mari Yamaguchi
Tokyo is taking a greater role in the international effort against Russia's invasion of Ukraine because of concerns about its impact on East Asia, where China's military has grown increasingly assertive.
Offshore Wind Power May Be the Key to Japan’s Energy Security
By Daisuke Akimoto
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced the Japanese government to confront its energy sufficiency woes. Speeding up the development of offshore wind power is one solution.
Japan’s Top Envoy Brings Back 20 Ukrainians From Poland
By Mari Yamaguchi
Japan has an extremely strict refugee policy and has been reluctant to fully accept migrant workers, making its offer to accept Ukrainians unusual.