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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

Ahead of APEC, Trump Signs Flurry of Bilateral Minerals Agreements on Asia Tour

Leading up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, President Trump signed new bilateral minerals agreements between the United States and Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, marking an escalation in minerals diversification efforts.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — October 31, 2025

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

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

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