Russia's illegal occupation of Japan's Northern Territories should not be treated as merely a matter between two countries.
The new National Security Strategy will likely determine Japan's national security trajectory for at least the next ten years. This is what you need to know.
Fumio Kishida finished his tour of G7 countries with a colorful climax at the headquarters of the space mission, despite President Biden's domestic problems.
While affirmation of the Japan-US alliance is welcome, more tasks remain as China, North Korea and Russia work relentlessly to bolster their nuclear forces.
Japan's Prime Minister is consolidating relationships with Europe's leaders, including this defense pact with Britain, during a tour of G7 nations.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement signed by the two prime ministers is the most important defense pact between Japan and the UK since 1902.
With significant public support, the National Security Strategy tackles defending Japan and reinforcing the Japan-US alliance against an aggressive China.
The National Security Strategy replaces haphazard Cold War era policies under which it is impossible to maintain the peace and safeguard the lives of people.
Japan and its partners can only meet the accelerating significant challenges to a rules-based order posed by North Korea and China by strengthening deterrence.
The expert defense panel recommendations seek to give Japan a defense boost with the capability to deter, block, and repel invasion by other countries.
The expert panel's focus on Japan's defense buildup is called for, but what Japan really needs is an overhaul of its security and foreign policy posturing.
Faced with North Korea's rapid missile development, "We will consider all defense options, including the so-called counterstrike capability," he says.