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Sebastian Maslow

Sebastian Maslow

The Conversation

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Is Sanae Takaichi Japan’s Margaret Thatcher — or its next Liz Truss?

Is Sanae Takaichi Japan’s Margaret Thatcher — or its next Liz Truss?

The rise of Japan’s first female leader is being hailed as a transformative moment for Japan. But in truth it may be more adaptation than reinvention.

06.10.2025 10

The Conversation

Sebastian Maslow

Why did Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resign? And who might replace him?

Ishiba inherited a deeply troubled party. Whoever succeeds him will need to restore public trust, or the party may fall victim to its own dominance.

08.09.2025 6

The Conversation

Sebastian Maslow

Faced with new tariffs and a truculent Trump, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line

The strength of these alliances depends on whether Trump views Tokyo and Seoul as bulwarks against China’s rise or vassals that can be extorted for...

03.04.2025 8

The Conversation

Sebastian Maslow

Shigeru Ishiba will be Japan’s next prime minister. What should we expect?

In a vote to replace Fumio Kishia as head of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), party members have elected Shigeru Ishiba as their new...

27.09.2024 1

The Conversation

Sebastian Maslow