Archive - Observing Japan

Japan and the Ukraine question

The start of US-Russia talks reveals Japan's strategic dilemma

Feb 18 •

The CDP enters the budget discussion | This week in Japanese politics

The CDP proposes changes, Japan grapples with tariffs, and Iwaya goes to Munich

Feb 15 •

Back to reality | This week in Japanese politics

Tariffs move to the fore after the summit and the government's budget negotiations continue

Feb 12 •

Ishiba's Trump bump?

The first post-summit poll delivers good news for the prime minister

Feb 10 •

When Ishiba met Trump

Some initial thoughts on their first summit

Feb 7 •

Ishiba works through his birthday | This week in Japanese politics

An agenda for the summit and the government continues its search for votes as the budgetary process moves forward

Feb 5 •

The LDP's right wing stirs

Ishiba faces right-wing attacks on multiple fronts, creating another headache for his premiership

Feb 4 •

The budget committee gets to work | This week in Japanese politics

Debate begins in the budget committee and Ishiba's meeting with Trump is scheduled, as the future of the bilateral relationship faces significant…

Feb 1 •

January 2025

Ishiba contends with a contentious Diet | This week in Japanese politics

Leading lawmakers debate, the government discusses investment, and no date for Ishiba's meeting with Trump yet

Jan 29 •

Three new polls, three takeaways

The DPFP boom, US-Japan relations, and interest rates and inflation

Jan 28 •

The Diet reopens for business | This week in Japanese politics

Ishiba's speech, budget talks, the BOJ raises rates, and Japan will not participate as an observer at a summit on banning nuclear weapons

Jan 25 •

Towards a pleasant Japan?

A close reading of Ishiba Shigeru's policy address

Jan 25 •

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