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When It Comes to Oil and Gas, Japan Can Still Say ‘No’

Japan is most likely to diverge from U.S. foreign policy positions when its energy security is at stake.

15.11.2025 20

Jio Kamata

With Approval Soaring, How Ambitious Can Japan’s New Prime Minister Be?

Since taking office, Takaichi has shown a willingness to moderate on many issues – with the marked exception of national security policy.

11.11.2025 3

Jio Kamata

Will There Be Brakes on Japan’s National Security Policy Under Takaichi?

Komeito had long restrained the LDP’s more hawkish tendencies, especially on China policy. What will happen now that it’s no longer in the coalition?

22.10.2025 3

Jio Kamata

Will Takaichi Sanae Be Japan’s Margaret Thatcher – or Another Liz Truss?

The extent to which Japan’s “Iron Lady” is willing to compromise her beliefs to enact policy will be a crucial test of her leadership.

06.10.2025 6

Jio Kamata

Japan’s Ruling LDP Pursues Unity Ahead of Leadership Race

The top contenders, including Koizumi Shinjiro and Takaichi Sanae, have moderated their positions since the 2024 race.

23.09.2025 3

Jio Kamata

The Japanese Youth Strike Back

Recent trends cast doubt on the long-standing assumption that young people in Japan are politically irrelevant.

19.09.2025 4

Jio Kamata

Why Ishiba Shigeru Is Not Resigning

Traditionally, LDP leaders who faced major electoral setbacks have stepped down. Ishiba has no intention of following that precedent.

16.08.2025 10

Jio Kamata

The LDP Bears Responsibility for Japan’s Populist Surge

A mix of LDP hubris and inaction contributed to its electoral setback – and the rise of textbook-style populism.

22.07.2025 5

Jio Kamata

Japan-South Korea Relations Are About to Get a Stress Test

The past three years were a unique period in the relationship between the two nations. Will Lee’s presidency mark a return to the mean?

12.06.2025 10

Jio Kamata

Richard Armitage, Joseph Nye, and the Future of the Japan-US Alliance

The Trump administration appears to have inherited the mantle of being “pro-U.S.-Japan alliance” from two establishment figures whose class the...

13.05.2025 6

Jio Kamata

Political Parties in Japan Rally Around Tax Cuts

The new consensus reflects the overwhelming appeal of a consumption tax cut. Will the LDP join the chorus?

30.04.2025 10

Jio Kamata

In Japan, the Radicalness of Yamamoto Taro Meets the Moment

Reiwa Shinsengumi’s rapid ascent marks a seismic shift in the progressive voting bloc in Japan.

27.03.2025 4

Jio Kamata

The Strange Stability of the Japan-US Relationship

The Ishiba-Trump summit symbolized the stability of the Japan-U.S. relationship under a disruptive U.S. president.

10.02.2025 10

Jio Kamata

Can Ishiba Shigeru Fulfill His New Year’s Resolution?

The year 2025 has arrived, and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has some thoughts to be shared. Ishiba uploaded a brief statement titled a “...

06.01.2025 7

Jio Kamata

Why Japan Is Worried After the Impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol

On December 14, the South Korean National Assembly passed a resolution to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. As a result Yoon’s presidential...

17.12.2024 4

Jio Kamata

Was the Abe-Trump ‘Bromance’ a Real Thing?

There is no doubt that Abe and Trump had a genuine friendship. However, what is often overlooked was how hard Abe worked to make that a reality.

14.11.2024 10

Jio Kamata

How Might Japan’s Hung Parliament Affect Foreign Policy?

Whatever the result of the coalition talks currently underway, the opposition parties have more veto power than they have enjoyed in over a decade.

29.10.2024 5

Jio Kamata

Ishiba Shigeru Wants a Stronger Japan-US Alliance. He Has an Unorthodox Vision For Doing That.

Japan’s new prime minister has long called for more reciprocity in the alliance, including revisions in the Status of Forces Agreement and...

03.10.2024 4

Jio Kamata

‘Realism’ Looms Large Over the CDP Leadership Race

Japan’s main opposition party is holding a leadership election. Is it ready to shake off the stigma of the previous DPJ government?

17.09.2024 4

Jio Kamata

How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?

For decades, hawkish economic policy was a hallmark of the LDP. Then Abe Shinzo changed the game with “Abenomics.”

05.09.2024 2

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When It Comes to Oil and Gas, Japan Can Still Say ‘No’

Jio Kamata

With Approval Soaring, How Ambitious Can Japan’s New Prime Minister Be?

Jio Kamata

Will There Be Brakes on Japan’s National Security Policy Under Takaichi?

Jio Kamata

Will Takaichi Sanae Be Japan’s Margaret Thatcher – or Another Liz Truss?

Jio Kamata

Japan’s Ruling LDP Pursues Unity Ahead of Leadership Race

Jio Kamata

The Japanese Youth Strike Back

Jio Kamata

Why Ishiba Shigeru Is Not Resigning

Jio Kamata

The LDP Bears Responsibility for Japan’s Populist Surge

Jio Kamata

Japan-South Korea Relations Are About to Get a Stress Test

Jio Kamata

Richard Armitage, Joseph Nye, and the Future of the Japan-US Alliance

Jio Kamata

Political Parties in Japan Rally Around Tax Cuts

Jio Kamata

In Japan, the Radicalness of Yamamoto Taro Meets the Moment

Jio Kamata

The Strange Stability of the Japan-US Relationship

Jio Kamata

Can Ishiba Shigeru Fulfill His New Year’s Resolution?

Jio Kamata

Why Japan Is Worried After the Impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol

Jio Kamata

Was the Abe-Trump ‘Bromance’ a Real Thing?

Jio Kamata

How Might Japan’s Hung Parliament Affect Foreign Policy?

Jio Kamata

Ishiba Shigeru Wants a Stronger Japan-US Alliance. He Has an Unorthodox Vision For Doing That.

Jio Kamata

‘Realism’ Looms Large Over the CDP Leadership Race

Jio Kamata

How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?

Jio Kamata