Tag
Shinzo Abe
Amid the Pandemic, Australia and Japan Continue Their Strategic Convergence
By Ankit Panda
A virtual leaders’ meeting didn’t make the top of global headlines, but it underscored the continued convergence between Tokyo and Canberra.
Chinese Vessels Enter Senkaku Islands Territorial Sea for Longest Duration Since 2012. Why Now?
By Ankit Panda
According to the Japan Coast Guard, Chinese vessels remained in the territorial sea around the disputed islets for 30 hours.
Japan Should Continue to Speak up on the Chinese Government’s Human Rights Abuses
By Teppei Kasai
Taking a tough, meaningful stand against Beijing is not easy, but Tokyo must continue to demonstrate the depth of its commitments to human rights.
Making Sense of Japan’s Decision to Scrap Aegis Ashore Missile Defense
By Ankit Panda
James Schoff joins the podcast to discuss Tokyo’s options on missile defense.
Japanese Politics Rocked by Arrests Over Voter Bribery Scandal
By Thisanka Siripala
A mammoth voter buying scandal involving a former ruling LDP cabinet minister poses a challenge for the Abe administration.
Japan’s Challenges Balancing National Security and Economics
By Michio Ueda
National security and economic interests are perhaps more tightly bound together than ever before.
Coronavirus or No, Japan’s Politics Remain Stuck
By Yusaku Yoshikawa
Despite strong disapproval of Prime Minister Abe’s COVID-19 response, the public sees little alternative to his continued governance.
Abe’s Popularity Plummets Amid Latest Controversy
By Thisanka Siripala
Abe’s approval ratings fell to a two-year low as online protests derailed the passage of a bill delaying the retirement age of prosecutors.
Is Japan Pulling Its Companies out of China?
By Shin Kawashima
A recent Japanese government policy is significant, but hardly a decoupling.
Japan Should Have a Serious Debate on Revising Its Constitution—But Not Now
By Rintaro Nishimura
Shinzo Abe is right about the need for a debate, but the time is not right.
What Will Tokyo’s Postponed Olympics Mean for Japanese Politics?
By Kristo Tamm
Shinzo Abe’s legacy is on the line.
COVID-19 Is a Test for World Leaders. So Far, Japan’s Abe Is Failing.
By Jeff Kingston
The pandemic has exposed feeble leadership on the part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japan’s Leader Slammed Over ‘Stay Home’ Shutdown Tweet
By Associated Press
"An elegant tweet despite a national crisis," blared a headline in the Nikkan Sports tabloid. "Abe the aristocrat!!"
Japan’s Prime Minister to Declare State of Emergency as Early as Tuesday
By Associated Press
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that he will declare a state of emergency for Tokyo and six other prefectures, but that there will be no hard lockdowns.
Japan’s Postponement of the Olympics: What Next?
By Ankit Panda
Also, the hosts discuss the reactions to the spread of COVID–19 in South Asia.
Why Japan Hesitated Before Postponing the 2020 Olympics
By Rupakjyoti Borah
Tokyo had to weigh its options carefully.
Japan’s Limited Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Hayden Marks
With limited testing and little interest in social distancing, Japan's coronavirus response is puzzling.
Abe Can’t Afford to Mishandle Japan’s COVID-19 Response
By Titli Basu
The prime minister’s political legacy is at stake amid the coronavirus epidemic.
Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Japan Postpones Long-Awaited Visit From China’s Xi
By Shannon Tiezzi
The visit had been envisioned as a high-water mark for newly repaired relations. Now it may not happen in 2020 at all.
Abe: Flex Hours, Work Style Among Key Steps to Fight Virus
By Associated Press
The Japanese prime minister took aim at the country’s work culture amid concerns about further spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Outbreak, Economic Ills Dim Luster of Japan’s Olympic Year
By Associated Press
Could the double-whammy of the coronavirus and a flagging economy finally end Shinzo Abe’s record-breaking term as prime minister?
How Did the Abe Cabinet Attempt to Mitigate the Economic Pain From Its Tax Hike?
By Daisuke Akimoto
Japan’s GDP fell by 6.3 percent after the sales tax hike. The Abe government must have seen that coming.
US-Iran Tensions an Opening for Japan’s Leadership in the Middle East
By Adham Sahloul
Abe's personal relationships with the main players in the Middle East give him a unique opportunity to play peacemaker.
Japan to the Rescue: Can Abe Defuse Tensions in the Middle East?
By Thisanka Siripala
Acrimonious Iran-U.S relations haven’t deterred Prime Minister Abe, who is on a scheduled tour of the Middle East under the banner of “peace diplomacy.”