Blog
Tokyo Report
Japan Ends 2019 With a Packed Diplomatic Schedule
By Mina Pollmann
Japan's flurry of diplomacy highlights its outreach to newer, more distant partners.
Pope Francis Preaches Anti-Nuke Message in First Japan Visit in 38 Years
By Thisanka Siripala
Pope Francis brought recognition to Japan’s “hidden” Christians while bearing pro-refugee and anti-nuclear messages of peace.
Is Disaster-Prone Japan Facing Economic Derailment?
By Thisanka Siripala
Following Typhoon Hagibis’ trail of destruction, worsening natural disasters are taking a toll on Japan’s economic outlook.
Pope Ends Japan Visit on Personal Note
By Nicole Winfield and Mari Yamaguchi
Pope Francis visited a Jesuit community in Tokyo that could have been his, had an early dream of being a missionary come true.
Nagasaki, the Center of Catholicism in Japan, Prepares to Welcome Pope Francis
By Associated Press
From ‘Hidden Christians’ to the 1945 atomic bombing, Nagasaki’s Catholic community has a long and often tragic history.
Japan, South Korean Envoys, Execs Discuss Ways to Cool Tensions
By Associated Press
The meetings between business leaders were decidedly friendlier.
How Does Japan’s Aging Society Affect Its Economy?
By Simran Walia
The aging crisis will have major impacts on Japan's economy. What can the Abe government do to mitigate the damage?
Does Japan Have a Global Environmental Strategy?
By Elliot Silverberg and Elizabeth Smith
As the world’s attention turns increasingly to climate change, Japan is in prime position to lead.
Fire Nearly Destroys Historic Castle in Okinawa
By Associated Press
Shuri Castle is a major symbol of the old Ryukyu Kingdom’s history and Okinawa's unique culture. Now it's all but gone.
An Unexpected Ally: Japan’s Up-and-Coming Partnership With the EU
By Emese Schwarcz
The most recent Japan-EU agreement cements an all-around partnership between the two.
Tokyo 2020: Asian Democracy in the Spotlight
By John Lee
Democracies must accept they are in a contest of political ideas, especially in Asia.
Is Japan’s Rail Diplomacy in Southeast Asia Moving Away From Shinkansen?
By Shang-su Wu
Southeast Asia is the main battlefield between Japan and China when it comes to high-speed rail.