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Strengthening National Security Resilience in Japan

Japan has many strengths that give it tremendous potential for resilience. However, further investments are required to bolster relatively undeveloped elements of national security resilience that China or another foe may seek to exploit.

Report by Daniel Byman, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Riley McCabe — December 18, 2025

Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Likely New Leader

On October 4, Japan’s ruling party elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, and she will likely become Japan’s first female prime minister. Nicholas Szechenyi breaks down her likely policy priorities and the implications for Japan’s strategic trajectory.

Commentary by Nicholas Szechenyi — October 6, 2025

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Steps Down

On September 7, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba stepped down amid mounting pressure within his party. The upcoming race to select his successor will signal whether the Liberal Democratic Party can provide strong leadership at home and abroad in an increasingly unpredictable domestic and international environment.

Critical Questions by Kristi Govella, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Yuko Nakano — September 8, 2025

Japan’s Upper House Election: Prolonged Instability

On July 20, Japanese voters cast their ballots in a pivotal upper house election. In this analysis, the CSIS Japan Chair unpacks key outcomes, the issues that shaped voter decisions, and the broader implications for Japan’s domestic agenda and foreign policy trajectory.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi, Yuko Nakano, and Kristi Govella — July 21, 2025

Enabling Forward Sustainment

To reduce the risks relating to contested logistics in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Air Force should consider deepening maintenance and repair cooperation with Japan—leveraging its industrial strength to build a more resilient, forward-positioned sustainment capability.

Report by Cynthia R. Cook, Nicholas Szechenyi, Henry H. Carroll, Audrey Aldisert, Sarah Hendrick, and Javier Nater — June 26, 2025

Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to Washington

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan will visit with President Trump on February 7 to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance for both countries. Nicholas Szechenyi previews the agenda and the potential implications for international relations in Asia.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi — February 4, 2025

Japan’s Lower House Election: An Aura of Unpredictability

On October 27, Japan held a general election in which the ruling coalition lost its majority for the first time in 15 years. Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair analyze the outcome and the path forward for Japan’s political future.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano — October 28, 2024

Ishiba Shigeru: Japan’s New Leader

On September 27, Japan’s ruling party elected Ishiba Shigeru as its new leader and next prime minister. Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair summarize the campaign, Ishiba’s priorities, and the potential implications for U.S.-Japan relations. 

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano — September 27, 2024

Japan: An Indispensable Partner in the Indo-Pacific

Japan is watching the U.S. election with a keen interest in furthering the U.S.-Japan alliance. The CSIS Japan Chair addresses Japan’s policy priorities and the potential implications of the election outcome for cooperation on a range of regional and global challenges.

Commentary by Christopher B. Johnstone and Nicholas Szechenyi — September 26, 2024

Kishida Steps Aside

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan announced on August 14 that he will not seek reelection as leader of the ruling party, effectively ending his tenure as prime minister. The CSIS Japan Chair addresses his legacy and next steps in a period of political transition.

Critical Questions by Christopher B. Johnstone, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Yuko Nakano — August 16, 2024