Country
Japan

Japan, Malaysia Pledge to Strengthen Economic, Security Ties
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia on his first bilateral state visit since taking office.

Trump 2.0 and Japanese Firms: Assault, Acclimation, and Adaptation
By Jean-Marc F. Blanchard and C. Lawrence Greenwood
While consequential, Trump 1.0 was not as earthshattering for Japanese companies as many feared. It would be a mistake, though, to assume Trump 2.0 will be the same.

Japan Aims to Make Sasebo a Strong Foothold for Amphibious Operations for the Self-Defense Forces
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan aims to bolster capabilities to defend and recapture remote islands, especially in its southwestern Nansei island chain.

Can Ishiba Shigeru Fulfill His New Year’s Resolution?
By Jio Kamata
Japan's prime minister picked out three priorities for 2025. But with a minority government, he may be forced to follow the opposition's preferences.

Looking Back at India-Japan Security Ties in 2024: A Way Forward
By Simran Walia
In 2025, India and Japan will delve deeper into defense and security ties that they diligently strengthened throughout 2024.

Is Japan’s Sudden Pivot to China Naïve?
By Yukari Easton
Japan has little to show for an unprecedented relaxing of its visa program for Chinese nationals.

China Sets Record for Activity Near Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in 2024
By Takahashi Kosuke
The China Coast Guard (CCG) is sending its larger and heavily armed ships near the disputed islands.

Japan Approves 9.4 Percent Increase in Defense Spending for FY2025
By Takahashi Kosuke
For the 11th year in a row, the budget draft set a new record for national defense spending as Japan continues to pursue its Defense Buildup Program.

Japan’s MHI Launches 10th Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate for JMSDF
By Takahashi Kosuke
Tokyo is rapidly acquiring missile-laden combat frigates to counter China and Russia in the East China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific theater.

Japan-South Korea Relations Under Trump
By KIMIYA Tadashi
After a meltdown in South Korea, what becomes of a thorny relationship?

Why Japan Is Worried After the Impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol
By Jio Kamata
South Korea’s diplomatic and security relations with Japan experienced a dramatic turnaround under Yoon. Tokyo fears that progress won't last under a new president.

Australia-Japan Defense Cooperation Must Stand on Its Own
By Tom Corben
The Australia-Japan-U.S. partnership might be at the core of the three countries’ regional deterrence strategy, but it will only ever be as strong as its weakest link.