9DASHLINE invited a select group of experts to assess how the Kishida administration’s policies on domestic, international, economic, and security issues will differ from the Abe administration.
Read MoreWritten by Felix Kuhn
Over the coming months in Japan, discussions over the level of defence spending, what the money will be spent on, and where it will come from, will become more heated. The Japanese government will have to provide clearer answers and allow for some compromises to retain broad support among policymakers and keep the majority of the public on board.
Read MoreWritten by Elli Pohlkamp
This behaviour of inactivity and standing on the sidelines has changed now, driven by the concern that one day Japan might need help from its Western alliance partners should the security situation around Japan change.
Read MoreWritten by Felix Kuhn
Whatever the Japanese government ultimately decides, it has already become evident that giving human rights a more prominent place in Japan’s foreign policy will bring significant challenges.
Read MoreWritten by Sebastian Maslow
With the US pushing its agenda of ‘integrated deterrence’ in Asia and North Korea testing new missiles, pressure on Japan to obtain capabilities to strike enemy bases will likely gain further momentum.
Read MoreWritten by Corey Wallace
Kishida’s increasingly muscular security stances also reflect toughening attitudes towards China within Japan’s political elites and public opinion throughout the spectrum. Ultimately, it is very likely that the Chinese government will be disappointed that Kishida is not a sheep in wolf’ clothing.