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Tokyo Report
Tokyo Olympic Games Will Go Ahead in 2021
By Thisanka Siripala
The International Olympic Committee has ruled out postponing the Tokyo Games for a second time.
Can Japan’s New Suga Administration Steer the Battered Economy Toward Growth?
By Thisanka Siripala
All eyes are on the Suga administration’s policy agenda after committing to advancing his predecessor’s Abenomics growth strategy.
After Abe, Opportunities Loom for Japan-Indonesia Relations
By Noto Suoneto, Birgitta Riani, and Noto Suoneto and Birgitta Riani
Prime Minister Suga has a golden opportunity to deepen relations with key Indo-Pacific partners, including Indonesia.
Japan’s Defense Ministry Launches Protocol for UFO Sightings
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s Self Defense Force has received instruction on steps to take should a UFO be identified.
In Japan’s Post-Abe Era, Addressing Political Gender Inequality is Essential
By Nick Stores
A more uncertain and competitive political climate could lead to urgently needed quota legislation for female politicians.
Japan Struggles to Secure Radioactive Nuclear Waste Dump Sites
By Thisanka Siripala
A small, aging town grapples with the financial lure of storing radioactive waste underground.
Abe Shinzo’s Legacy in Japan-Europe Relations
By Michito Tsuruoka
Mainstreaming Europe in Japan’s foreign policy.
Post-Abe, Vietnam-Japan Relations Have Nowhere to Go But Up
By Hanh Nguyen
Whoever succeeds Abe Shinzo, the two nations have ample reasons to widen and deepen their cooperation across a host of domains.
The LDP’s Internal Race to Replace Abe Is Already Sparking Controversy
By Shamshad A. Khan
With the “scaled-down” presidential election, LDP’s intra-party politics comes to the fore.
Abe’s Regional Diplomacy: Results and Limitations
By Mie Oba
Broad regional trends ultimately constrained an active foreign policy.
Japan’s Departing PM Abe Shinzo Spurs Political Chaos and Mixed Reactions on Political Legacy
By Thisanka Siripala
The sudden mid-term resignation of Japan’s prime minister creates confusion amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 and Japan’s Mysterious ‘Night City’ District
By Yusaku Yoshikawa
A new buzzword to describe red-light districts has been cropping up in official comments designed to give the impression that the pandemic is contained to certain areas.