Mastodawn

Japan is a reliable American ally despite criticism over defense-related burden-sharing that has maintained stable relations with Washington amid rising trade pressure and diplomatic strain under U.S. President Trump. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/04/21/japan/japan-americas-indispensable-ally/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #us #donaldtrump #usjapanrelations #sanaetakaichi #shigeruishiba #fumiokishida #selfdefenseforces #defense #trade #tariffs

Tell the U.S. that Japan is America’s indispensable ally

Japan in recent decades has proven itself to be a reliable U.S. ally, ready to assist when needed without being overly obtrusive.

The Japan Times

David Grayless Apr 10

On Apr 10, 2024: US President #JoeBiden and Japanese Prime Minister #FumioKishida announce moves to counter Chinese aggression at a meeting at the White House.

The Japan Times Mar 31

The Supreme Court has upheld lower court rulings sentencing a 27-year-old man to 10 years in prison for attacking then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with an explosive during an election campaign event in April 2023. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/31/japan/crime-legal/japan-supreme-court-ruling-on-ex-pm-attacker/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #crimelegal #japanesecourts #supremecourt #fumiokishida #ryujikimura

Top court upholds 10-year sentence for man who attacked Kishida in 2023

Lower court rulings had sentencing the 27-year-old for attacking the then prime minister with an explosive during an election campaign event the city of Wakayama.

The Japan Times

David Grayless Mar 16

On the 16th of March 2023: South Korea's President #YoonSukyeol and Japanese Prime Minister #FumioKishida hold their first talks since 2011 in Tokyo, marking a milestone in relations between the two countries.

The Japan Times Mar 12

Former members of Liberal Democratic Party factions that were disbanded in the wake of a slush funds scandal have been meeting informally since the party’s landslide election victory in February. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/12/japan/politics/ldp-factions-politics-comeback/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #ldp #sanaetakaichi #sanaetakaichi #shinzoabe #fumiokishida #taroaso #toshimitsumotegi #toshihironikai

Are disbanded LDP factions staging a comeback?

Former members of the disbanded factions have been meeting informally since the party’s landslide victory in the Feb. 8 Lower House election.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Feb 17

Supermajorities reduce the need for interparty compromise, but they can actually intensify intraparty competition. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/02/17/japan/trouble-with-winning-big-for-takaichi/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #sanaetakaichi #ldp #dpj #ichiroozawa #yukiohatoyama #naotokan #yoshihikonoda #shinzoabe #fumiokishida #taroaso #shigeruishiba #2026lowerhouseelection

The trouble with winning big for Takaichi and the LDP

Landslide victories in Japanese politics can conceal fragility within the ruling party.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Jan 23

Without U.S. leadership, the G7 is adrift. Japan and other middle powers should look to the OECD for direction. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/01/23/japan/after-davos-middle-powers-matter/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #markcarney #canada #g7 #worldeconomicforum #davos #switzerland #us #donaldtrump #shinzoabe #fumiokishida #china #brettonwoods #imf #worldbank #wto #oecd

After Davos, middle powers matter more than ever

Japan is well placed to act as a custodian of cooperation among countries that still depend on functioning markets but can no longer rely on a single guarantor.

The Japan Times

David Grayless Jan 23

On the 23rd of January 2023: Japan on the brink of not being able to function as a society, because of its falling birth rate and high life expectancy, says Prime Minister #FumioKishida, in speech to Japanese parliament.