Tag
Japan domestic politics

The Underestimated Strength of Kishida Fumio
By Jio Kamata
Kishida’s paramount political asset may be his harmless persona.

Is This The Beginning of the End for Kishida?
By Jio Kamata
Kishida and the LDP may not face a national election until 2025, but the prime minister is already on shaky ground.

The Domestic Politics of Suga’s China Stance
By Duncan Bartlett
At the Biden-Suga summit, strong language on China, including a notable mention of Taiwan, was tempered by Suga's precarious situation at home.

Japan's Aegis Ashore System Hits a Roadblock: Domestic Politics
By Mina Pollmann
Local opposition, and a poorly handled government explanation, have delayed deployment of the new systems.

Could Japan’s Shinzo Abe Retain Power for a Fourth Term?
By Thisanka Siripala
Without a clear leader to succeed Abe, his devout followers in the LDP hint at extending his time in office.

After the Presidential Election, What Next for Abe and the LDP?
By Thisanka Siripala
After a sweeping victory against a rival LDP member, Abe secures a new 3 year term as party leader -- and prime minister.

Can Anyone Unseat Shinzo Abe?
By Mina Pollmann
Despite his scandals, Abe is well-positioned win the LDP's presidential election this fall.

Shinzo Abe's North Korea Dilemma
By Yuichiro Kakutani
Domestic political calculations, not national interest, are behind Abe's approach to North Korea.

If Not North Korea, Who Will Be Japan’s Chief Antagonist?
By Erik Isaksson
North Korea has long played the enemy for Japanese domestic political purposes. If peace comes, that will have to change.

Will Mounting Pressure to Sack Finance Minister Aso Spell the End for PM Abe?
By Thisanka Siripala
Aso’s political career hangs by a thread after admitting the ministry tampered with a report on the Moritomo Gakuen scandal.

Japan Election Victory Gives Abe Mandate For Reform
By Anthony Fensom
The ruling coalition scores a two-thirds majority in the Lower House elections.

Of Ospreys and Stallions: US Military Aircraft Accidents and Japanese Domestic Politics
By John Wright
Despite a strong alliance, Japan's stern response to U.S. military accidents is predictable.

What's China's View On Abe’s Latest Cabinet Reshuffle?
By Pengqiao Lu
Compared to the past, China has been relatively restrained in its criticism of Abe.

Abe's Cabinet Reshuffle, Explained
By Michael MacArthur Bosack
Despite a drastic public opinion slide, Abe's new cabinet was remarkably consistent.

Can a Cabinet Reshuffle Reverse Abe's Downward Spiral?
By Mina Pollmann
The LDP takes another electoral hit as approval ratings continue to slide.

Tokyo's Governor Throws in With a New Political Party
By Mina Pollmann
Yuriko Koike has officially withdrawn from the LDP to head the new Tomin First no Kai.

Japan's Path to Constitutional Amendment
By Michael MacArthur Bosack
The steps Shinzo Abe must take to achieve constitutional revision, and the political implications.

What Role for Japan in Africa’s Security After Withdrawal from South Sudan?
By Céline Pajon
There still is a big gap between the discourse and the reality of what Japan wants—and what it can achieve in Africa.

Japan Self-Defense Force Withdraws From South Sudan
By Yuki Tatsumi
The decision highlights the domestic constraints on Japan's defense activities abroad.

Why Japan Has No Donald Trump
By Richard Solomon
Unlike the U.S. (Trump) or U.K. (Brexit), Japan lacks a strong, anti-establishment populist movement.

Democratic Party Presidential Election: Another Missed Opportunity for Japan's Opposition
By Yuki Tatsumi
Once again, the DP misses a chance to carry out substantial political debate.

What Does Tokyo's New Governor Mean for Japanese Politics?
By Yuki Tatsumi
How an independent candidate managed to beat out candidates from both the ruling LDP and the main opposition coalition.

Abe and the Bureacracy: Tightening the Reins
By Markus Winter
No other prime minister has held a tighter rein over Japan’s once-mighty bureaucracy. The change will outlast Abe.

Japan Gears up for Elections
By Yuki Tatsumi
Japan will head to the polls in July, but the result seems obvious already.
Page 1 of 2