Commentary / World Jan 5, 2023
Prime Minister Kishida’s 2023 survival strategy
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has a tough road ahead, but he is politically savvy and has been adept at making the moves necessary to remain in office so far.
Commentary / Japan | Perspectives Dec 23, 2022
What to make of Japan’s new defense documents
Nothing in Japan's new defense documents signals an abandonment of the core principles of its security, but a refinement of roles and capabilities to match modern needs.
Commentary / Japan Dec 13, 2022
The politics of Japan's defense spending
When Japan first imposed the 1% of GDP defense-spending ceiling , the issue has been a matter of politics and any attempt to breach that threshold has been taboo.
Commentary / World Nov 16, 2022
Is the clock running out for the prime minister?
Will Prime Minister Fumio Kishida be able to recover from his political troubles, or is he on a path to join the party’s long list of short-lived prime ministers?
Commentary / Japan Oct 25, 2022
Key takeaways from the Australia-Japan summit
The Australia-Japan summit in Perth was big on deliverables, focusing on security cooperation, China and values.
Commentary / Japan Oct 12, 2022
Nepotism and Japan's political dynasties
The appointment of Fumio Kishida's son as an executive secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office has prompted a backlash and is raising questions about nepotism.
Commentary / Japan Oct 2, 2022
A man larger than life: Remembering Antonio Inoki
Antonio Inoki, a pro wrestler, businessman and politician, was a transformative and inspirational figure for his nation. He will be missed.
Commentary / Japan Sep 22, 2022
Kishida would be riding high except for a political misstep
By going for a unity Cabinet, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was forced to bring in members from factions that were at greater risk of being linked with the Unification Church.
Commentary / Japan Sep 21, 2022
Ukraine wants Japan to be a security guarantor
Given Japan is the world's No. 3 economy, and despite it's inability to grant substantive military support, Kyiv's pursuit of Tokyo's backing makes sense and would be a boon for Ukraine.
Commentary / Japan Sep 12, 2022
How Japan's political system linked the Unification Church with lawmakers
One problem faced by Japan is that there are institutional and customary factors that allow fringe organizations to maintain access to politicians at the highest levels of government.