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Japan Poised for Early General Election

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s plan to dissolve the lower house of the Japanese parliament could give her party a mandate for strong leadership—or it could exacerbate current governance challenges.

Critical Questions by Kristi Govella and Yuko Nakano — January 14, 2026

Japan’s 26-Year-Old Ruling Coalition Collapses

As Japan is poised to select its new prime minister, the breakdown of the long-time coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito increases uncertainty about the path ahead.

Critical Questions by Kristi Govella — October 10, 2025

New Documents Reveal Next Steps for U.S.-Japan Trade Deal

Recent developments resolve some of the ambiguities that have caused tensions in U.S.-Japan relations in recent weeks, but they also reveal potential pitfalls ahead, as well as areas for other countries to watch.

Commentary by Kristi Govella — September 9, 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

Assessing the U.S.-Japan Trade Deal Announcement

The United States and Japan have struck the most substantial trade deal yet negotiated by the Trump administration, with pledges of investment and market access to meet U.S. demands, and reduced 15 percent reciprocal and auto tariffs for Japan.

Critical Questions by Kristi Govella — July 23, 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

Understanding Trump’s Decision to Approve the Nippon Steel Deal

After a dramatic 18-month saga, Trump approved Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel, reversing Biden’s decision to block the deal on national security grounds. The deal may set a new precedent for foreign investment in strategic U.S. industries, but key questions remain.

Critical Questions by Kristi Govella — June 16, 2025