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Tokyo Report
Ex-Defense Minister Ishiba Shigeru Will Be Japan’s Next Prime Minister
By Mari Yamaguchi and Foster Klug
In his fifth attempt, Ishiba was chosen to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Japan’s Current Rice Shortage Foreshadows Long-Term Problems
By Andrew Orchard
Japan is experiencing a shortage of the crucial staple, with an inelastic supply likely being the primary cause.
The Evolving Geopolitical Dynamics of PALM 10
By SHIOZAWA Hideyuki
Japan has successfully renewed its relationship with the Pacific Island countries.
‘Realism’ Looms Large Over the CDP Leadership Race
By Jio Kamata
Japan’s main opposition party is holding a leadership election. Is it ready to shake off the stigma of the previous DPJ government?
Who Are the Contenders to Be Japan’s Next Prime Minister?
By Mari Yamaguchi
A record nine candidates have registered for the LDP’s leadership election.
A Robot Begins Removal of Melted Fuel From the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. It Could Take a Century.
By Mari Yamaguchi
The robot’s two-week trip is a crucial step in a decades-long process to decommission the plant and deal with large amounts of highly radioactive melted fuel inside.
Will Koizumi Shinjiro Become Japan’s Youngest Prime Minister?
By Daisuke Akimoto
The former environment minister is leading in the polls, despite being just 43 years old. What would his election mean for the LDP and Japan?
How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?
By Jio Kamata
For decades, hawkish economic policy was a hallmark of the LDP. Then Abe Shinzo changed the game with “Abenomics.”
Will Japan Turn to Deep Seabed Mining to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains?
By Oliver Banks and Ariel Silverman
Despite the apparent benefits, there are significant legal gaps and technological limitations that must be addressed before this mineral wealth on the seafloor can be brought to market.
New LDP Leader, Same Old LDP
By Jake Northey
The LDP's attempt to get the public behind its presidential election ironically calls attention to the disconnect between party and people.
Japan-Taiwan Maritime Security Cooperation
By KAWASHIMA Shin
Recent drills raised hackles in Beijing.
Japan’s Incremental Change in a De Facto Immigration Policy
By Kimiko Kuga
Japan has scrapped the controversial TITP scheme, but its replacement has the same problem: foreign workers are not considered immigrants.