Japan

The Ministry of Defence document, ‘Directions of Change in Defence Capabilities 1’, released on 12 March, offers a glimpse into the evolution of Japan’s security strategy.

• Arnab Dasgupta
• IDSA Comments

The Japan–Australia Special Strategic Partnership has become an important pillar of Indo-Pacific stability.

• Simran Walia
• Issue Brief

Heightened activity around Dokdo/Takeshima by the ROK could generate a ‘clash of nationalisms’ with Japan and endanger delicate bilateral relations.

• Arnab Dasgupta
• Issue Brief

The Japan–Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) aims to enhance interoperability and rapid-response capabilities.

• Simran Walia
• IDSA Comments

Japanese diplomacy in 2025 underwent several paradigm shifts, each of which brought in train potentially transformative impacts.

• Arnab Dasgupta
• Issue Brief

Sanae Takaichi could draw Japan closer to the US, while maintaining steady relations with India and the ROK, even as relations with China are likely to remain challenging.

• Arnab Dasgupta
• Issue Brief

Sanseito’s rise in the political landscape signals a disruptive shift.

• Saman Ayesha Kidwai
• Issue Brief

The initiatives announced during the TICAD9 summit in Yokohama offer a second chance to reinvigorate India-Japan collaboration in Africa.

• Mohanasakthivel J , Arnab Dasgupta
• Issue Brief

Japan and Australia have strengthened their defence partnership, exemplified by the August 2025 US$ 6 billion Mogami-class frigate deal.

• Simran Walia
• IDSA Comments

While Prime Minister Ishiba’s untimely exit marks the return of political instability in Japan, he helped navigate Japan through extreme international uncertainty.

• Arnab Dasgupta
• IDSA Comments