Trump 47: Change is Coming, Hopefully for the Better

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As the world awaits the inauguration of United States President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, significant developments are unfolding globally. Among them is the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As Donald Trump becomes the 47th president of the United States, significant developments are unfolding globally. There is a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

A World in Motion

While it may be premature to declare an end to decades of conflict between the two sides, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope.

In a parallel development, the war in Ukraine, which enters its fourth year in February, might also move toward a ceasefire. Trump's bold declaration to end the war has set a tone of cautious optimism for the new year.

Meanwhile, South Korea is navigating uncharted territory following the unprecedented arrest of a sitting president on January 15. What led to this situation, and what lies ahead for democracy in South Korea?

Kenji Yoshida, a journalist based in Seoul, delves into the issue in his report below.

INTERVIEW | Why President Yoon Suk-yeol Will Survive and Triumph

Yoshida argues that without Yoon, South Korea risks devolving into a police state akin to its northern neighbor, North Korea. After reading his article, one cannot help but share this concern.

*Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol scuffle with investigators near his official residence in Seoul on January 15. (©Reuters)*

US Steel Deal

Another pressing issue is the Nippon Steel-US Steel lawsuit against President Joe Biden and the US government over attempts to block their acquisition deal. This topic took center stage at JAPAN Forward's New Year's gathering for our supporters.

Reactions to the lawsuit have been mixed. While some view it as an audacious move that could harm US-Japan relations, others praise its boldness.

Earl Kinmonth, a JAPAN Forward contributor and emeritus professor at Taisho University, offers a different view. He cautions against the acquisition, citing the militant labor unions within the US Steel industry that could render the endeavor unworkable.

The iron and steel industry is often regarded as the backbone of modern industry. In attempting to acquire a major company in such a critical American industry, did Nippon Steel make enough effort to demonstrate its sincerity? Did they visit the US to carefully explain their intentions in person?

It is questionable whether resorting to a lawsuit was the right course of action. Also, it appears inconsistent with Japan's cultural emphasis on harmony. Perhaps I am not the only one who sensed a hint of arrogance from Nippon Steel. With tensions escalating to this point, it seems unlikely that events will proceed as the Japanese side had envisioned.

*President-elect Donald Trump wears a helmet and joins steel industry workers on stage at a rally in Pennsylvania on October 19 (©Reuters).*

Our 2025 Predictions

Continuing its annual tradition, JAPAN Forward published a series of predictions for 2025, covering politics, diplomacy, economics, culture, society, and sports in a rapidly evolving world.

Highlights include:

A Year to Shine Brightly

JAPAN Forward also unveiled its Kanji of the Year for 2025: "Shine" (輝). Shoko Kanazawa, a renowned calligrapher with Down syndrome, skillfully rendered this character to inspire hope for our readers worldwide.

Shoko Kanazawa Dedicates Shine '輝' as This New Year's Message of Hope

May this be a year of transformation, growth, and brilliance for all of us.

*Calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa writes this year's (2025) kanji, '輝' (shine), Kugahara, Ota Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei by Koki Uemura).*

Watch for the next issue on February 17.

JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to amplify Japan's voice worldwide in both English and Japanese. To join us in shaping our vision together or for inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.

Author: Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief