Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief 
Tokyo cityscape (©Sankei by Ko Notomi)
このページを 日本語 で読む
As I wrote at the end of my April 14 column, JAPAN Forward remains committed to sharing Japan's journey with readers around the globe.
That conviction was only strengthened recently when I attended a study session for policy experts. I'd like to share some key takeaways from that experience.
The session's speaker was Kunihiko Miyake, a diplomatic commentator and Director and Special Advisor at the Canon Institute for Global Studies. He is also a recipient of the Seiron Grand Prize from The Sankei Shimbun. His talk, titled "Why the United States Cannot Win the Trade War with China," offered a timely analysis.
How Should Japan Respond?
Miyake argued that President Donald Trump was using tariffs as a weapon in a global struggle, particularly to contain China. However, Miyake also predicted that Trump would ultimately fail to achieve his objectives during his term. He cited several reasons to support this view, which he said he plans to elaborate on in an upcoming English-language article.
To me, however, it seemed premature to declare Trump's approach a failure — global dynamics are rarely so clear-cut. More urgent than assessing Trump's success or failure is the broader question: Where is the world headed? And how should Japan respond?
When I posed this to Miyake, his answer was thought-provoking.
A Critical Opportunity
To summarize his remarks, he said: Under Trump, a full-scale war between the United States and China seemed improbable. Yet, tensions among major powers were undeniably rising, signaling the end of a relatively stable global order. We are entering an era marked by increasing instability and regional conflict. And yet, Miyake emphasized, this also presents a rare and critical opportunity for Japan.
Why? Because Japan, having rebuilt itself from the ashes of World War II into an economic powerhouse through sheer perseverance, still struggles to earn full recognition and respect on the global stage. Now, with the world undergoing profound shifts, Japan has a chance to step forward — if it can earn the world's trust at this pivotal moment.
According to Miyake, "Japan must seize this opportunity by standing for universal values like freedom and democracy. It must defend peace and prosperity, resisting any attempts to alter the international order through force."
He added, "Japan should confront the difficult but necessary reality of using military power responsibly, and work toward building a stronger, more capable government."
Are we prepared to rise to the occasion? Or are we paralyzed by fear of risk and change?
A Turning Point
This very question was posed by JAPAN Forward staff reporter Daniel Manning in his May 14 article:
In his piece, Manning criticizes the Science Council of Japan for failing to provide meaningful policy guidance, despite being generously publicly funded. This failure comes at a time when Japan urgently needs scientific leadership on issues like the release of ALPS treated water from the Fukushima plant and the global ramifications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
He concludes that the council has lost its raison d'être and should be dismantled and rebuilt into a body that prioritizes science over political activism.
Even from Manning's perspective as an Irish observer, the council appears irreparably broken. One must wonder: How many other institutions in Japan are equally resistant to change?
Despite the country's latent potential, opportunities may be lost unless the country adapts to global realities and responds with bold, forward-thinking actions.
Embracing the Future
At JAPAN Forward, we're also taking on this challenge ourselves — transforming into a fully bilingual media platform in both English and Japanese.
On July 4, we will hold our first in-person business and training seminar in Osaka. A dynamic city full of energy and promise, the city is currently hosting the World Expo for the first time in 55 years. The event offers a glimpse into the future of humanity.
We see the seminar as a valuable opportunity to connect directly with our partners and supporters, and to reflect on where best to focus our efforts moving forward.
Can we believe in our own potential and turn adversity into opportunity?
Ultimately, that choice is ours.
With the courage to take risks, JAPAN Forward is determined to seize this moment and grow into a media platform ready to meet the demands of a new era.
Watch for the next issue on June 16.
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.
RELATED:
- Fight Trump's Tariffs the Japan Way
- As Trump Diplomacy Shakes the World, How Will Japan React?
- Multicultural Innovation the Japan Way
- How to Leverage Trump's Tariffs Into a Win-Win for Japan's National Interest
このページを 日本語 で読む
