Country
Japan
Doubling the Defense Budget Won’t be Easy for Japan
By Daisuke Akimoto and Purnendra Jain
Kishida’s judgment on how to fund the defense budget increase will be a critical factor in his survival as prime minister.
Space Is Going Commercial in Asia, but There’s a Rocky Road Ahead
By Arpit Raswant , Jiye Kim, and Tim Mahlberg
Space commercialization is creating opportunities for businesses, headaches for governments, and confusion for Asia-Pacific consumers.
Japan’s Largest Opposition Party Seeks Moderation, But the Base Disagrees
By Jio Kamata
After a decade in the political wilderness, the Constitutional Democratic Party is trying to broaden its appeal – but its base is not pleased.
The Unification Church, Japan, and North Korea
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
The Unification Church and North Korea are closely linked, despite the church's adamant anti-communist stance.
Surviving Old Age Is Getting Harder in Japan
By Thisanka Siripala
Seniors living in poverty or working to supplement their income are on the rise as Japan’s public pension system cracks under a super aging society.
Japan, US Emphasize Security Cooperation During Kishida Visit
By Mina Pollmann
The Japanese prime minister's U.S. visit, and the latest 2+2 consultations, emphasized an even-closer alliance amid Japan's changing security posture.
What Japan’s Foreign Policy Shifts Mean for New Zealand
By Geoffrey Miller
Tokyo’s dramatic shifts on defense and China policy are likely to have ramifications for New Zealand.
Kishida’s 3 Dilemmas as G7 President
By Takahashi Kosuke
After his successful tour of 5 G-7 partners, Japan’s three main challenges are apparent: Russia, China, and nuclear weapons.
Beyond the Quad: Booming Security Cooperation Efforts in the Indo-Pacific
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
New defense and security cooperation efforts are springing up across the Indo-Pacific, between some Quad members and those outside the grouping.
Japan Eyes Delay of Fukushima Plant Water Release
By Mari Yamaguchi
The plan to released treated radioactive wastewater has been fiercely opposed by local residents and Japan's neighbors, including China and South Korea.
Japan, India to Conduct First Joint Fighter Jet Drill in January
By Takahashi Kosuke
The exercises, Veer Guardian 2023, mark a historic milestone in the two nation’s defense and security ties.
Why and How Italy and Japan Are Upgrading Their Partnership
By Dario Cristiani
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s recent visit to Italy highlighted the growing convergence between the two countries.