National / Politics Jan 6, 2017

Japan recalls envoys over new 'comfort women' statue in Busan

The Japanese ambassador to South Korea is recalled over a new statue representing the wartime “comfort women” near the Japanese Consul in Busan.

National Jan 5, 2017

U.S. to resume Osprey in-flight refueling drills Friday despite Okinawa concerns

Less than a month after the crash of an MV-22 Osprey, the Defense Ministry on Thursday gave a tacit nod to the planned resumption.

National / Politics Jan 3, 2017

With U.S. security umbrella at stake, Abe to go all out forging ties with Trump

Japan’s foreign policy this year is drifting into uncharted waters inhabited by President-elect Donald Trump.

National / Politics | ANALYSIS Dec 28, 2016

Leaders' Hawaii remarks include veiled message for Trump: experts

Two mavens say the speeches of Abe and Obama contain a message for the incoming leader about the Japan-U.S. relationship.

National / Politics Dec 26, 2016

Japan, U.S. agree to narrow scope of base workers protected by SOFA

Tokyo and Washington have effectively agreed to sign a supplementary treaty narrowing the scope of protection afforded to such workers by the Status of Forces Agreement.

National Dec 21, 2016

U.S. return of Okinawa training area faces harsh criticism from local residents

U.S. Forces Japan announces the return of more than half the Northern Training Area amid the growing anger of local residents.

National / Politics | ANALYSIS Dec 16, 2016

Putin exits onsen drama holding all the cards

The summit talks between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not end in hikiwake, or a draw, as Putin once phrased it. Abe scored no tangible points in a diplomatic judo match over the sovereignty of the four disputed islands off ...

National / Politics Dec 15, 2016

Abe, Putin focus on peace treaty issues in first round of two-day talks in Yamaguchi

Despite ongoing pressure on Russia over its annexation of Crimea in 2014, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday welcomed President Vladimir Putin — the first visit by a Russian leader in around 11 years — as he sought to make a breakthrough in a ...