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Japan
Japan’s Largest Warship JS Kaga Will Conduct F-35B Onboard Operation Tests off the California Coast
By Takahashi Kosuke
It’s a crucial step for Tokyo’s ambition to convert two Izumo-class vessels into fully-fledged aircraft carriers.
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.
South Korea’s President Yoon Meets Japanese Prime Minister Kishida One Last Time
By Mitch Shin
Before Kishida’s departure as prime minister, Yoon touted their efforts to restore stony relations between the two countries. The South Korean public is less enthused.
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.”
Israel-Japan Relations and the Middle East
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Rotem Kowner.
Outgoing Japanese Leader Kishida Will Visit South Korea for a Summit on Improving Ties
By Kim Tong-hyung
Seoul said that Kishida, who will step down after internal party elections in September, “actively expressed hope” to end his term on a high note in bilateral relations.
Japan Coast Guard Plans to Build Its Largest Patrol Vessel Ever
By Takahashi Kosuke
The new ship, an ultra-large multipurpose patrol vessel, will be around 200 meters long and will weigh about 30,000 tons.
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.
Japan’s Defense Ministry Requests Largest Ever Budget for Fiscal Year 2025
By Takahashi Kosuke
It is almost certain that next year’s budget, when officially approved, will mark the 11th consecutive year of a record-high defense budget.
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.