Japan
Hot button issue: North Korea’s bold new nuclear stance
In fewer than ten days, North Korea has fired a series of five missile launches, heightening tensions in the region. Although missile tests and threats coming from North Korea are…
“Predatory cult”: the shadow of Unification Church over Abe’s funeral
After the assassination of Japan’s former prime minister Abe Shinzo, his life and legacy have been largely celebrated abroad but mired in controversy at home.
Internationally,…
Economic diplomacy: Womenomics shifts from Tokyo to Jakarta
Labour pains
While Japan and Indonesia have radically different population pyramids, today they face the common dilemma that how they manage these differences will have a big…
The Quad needs a stronger economic message
The Quad has declared itself “a force for good”. At a summit in Tokyo in May, the leaders of Japan, the United States, Australia and India pledged to bring tangible benefits to…
Can Seoul and Tokyo mend ties?
The relationship between South Korea and Japan seems to be moving in a positive direction, with two high-level meetings held this week between officials from both sides. Although…
Economic diplomacy: The Pacific beats ASEAN for nervous investors
Sticky money
As the new Labor government oscillates between promoting investment in Southeast Asia to deepen security ties and trying to keep the Pacific family together in the…
Abe Shinzo: the Quad stands as his Indo-Pacific legacy
Abe Shinzo’s assassination is a great loss to a region he helped to re-imagine as the “Indo-Pacific”. Leaders have reacted with shock at his killing on Friday. US President Joe…
Abe’s drive to “bring back Japan”
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party was victorious in Japan’s Upper House election held on Sunday, but it was the killing of former prime minister Abe Shinzo during a campaign…
Abe Shinzo: Australia’s “best friend” in Asia
The assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sent shockwaves around the world. Abe’s term as prime minister ended in August 2020, but he remained leader of…
What a waste! Japan’s food sustainability challenge
Japan is famous for its “mottainai” culture, often translated as “what a waste!”, which encourages people to reduce what is discarded from their everyday lives. At the same time,…