Futenma

Three ways to put the concepts outlined in the new Guidelines into practice.

The PM’s handling of the relocation of the U.S. military base will cost Japan in the long term.

The LDP is using its position as Japan's governing party to make life difficult for Okinawa's new anti-base governor.

Local elections in Okinawa deal another blow to the prime minister's agenda.

A few defense and security links to round off 2013. Happy New Year!

The choice of Satoshi Morimoto to head Japan’s Defense Ministry has surprised many. But the media and opposition party criticism is misplaced.

Japan has long been a key part of the U.S. Pacific strategy. But for many Okinawans, the military “occupation” has gone on too long.

The relocation of U.S. forces was already a thorny issue in Japanese politics. But insensitive remarks by a government official have made things far worse.

Yoshihiko Noda takes office at the most crucial time for Japan in half a century, says Michael Auslin. But with lacklustre public support, he has his work cut out.

Naoto Kan’s days as premier look numbered, says veteran Japan watcher Karel van Wolferen. But who comes next is much less clear.

The DPJ missed a chance to transform how Japan is governed, says Tobias Harris in the third in our series of end of year interviews.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has been left to decide what to do about a controversial US air base. The choice is clear.