North Korea's active summer poses a host of challenges to Japan's defense posture.

Can Shinzo Abe actually succeed in his plan to amend Article 9?

Looking back at 2015 and ahead to 2016 for Japan and PM Shinzo Abe.

The latest nuclear test underscores the challenges of Japan's relationship with North Korea.

Japan's defense policy is indeed gearing for change, but the changes are limited and rooted in the US-Japan alliance.

Japan's opposition has not been able to capitalize on the unpopularity of Shinzo Abe's security bills.

It's misleading to interpret Japan's record-high defense budget as a sign of "remilitarization."

Abe will see his security legislation passed, but will need to boost Japan's economy to win back support.

Richard Bush on China-Japan relations since their top leaders shook hands in November 2014.

The 70th anniversary of the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a focal point for opponents of defense reform.

China's anti-Japanese rhetoric only masks Beijing's own misbehavior in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beijing has reacted with predictable breathlessness to the passage of new security legislation in Tokyo.

By focusing solely on constitutionality, Japan missed the opportunity for a frank debate on its actual security policy.

Japan's prime minister has an image problem -- and it stems from his signature national security legislation.

An interview with Sheila Smith, author of Intimate Rivals: Japanese Domestic Politics and a Rising China.

Forget the hype, there is much less to the proposed new legislation than meets the eye.