Redefining Republic of Korea-Japan Relations for a New Era
Korea on Point – 9/27/2025
“Changes in governments have historically halted and soured bilateral relations between the two countries. But instead of taking a more cautious approach, the uncertainty in international affairs requires the two countries to continue deepening cooperation. To elevate bilateral relations to a new stage, South Korea and Japan should commit to a future-oriented relationship not just symbolically — like with talks of updating the 1998 joint declaration — but a practical agenda that outlines steps to achieve cooperation in areas of common interest.”
How realistic is a “Grand Coalition”?
Tokyo Review – 7/20/2025
“These changing political dynamics in Japan merit exploring the possibility of a major realignment, including the possibility of a union between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) — a “grand coalition” that has become the subject of interest among policymakers and the media since the start of the new year.”
The dilemma facing Japan’s rising (and falling) populist parties
The Japan Times – 7/4/2025
“In recent years, Japan’s populist parties have gained a subset of voters by positioning themselves as yutō, parties sandwiched between the establishment ruling parties (yoto) and the anti-establishment opposition (yato). These parties often rise and fall quickly, as they face the challenge of balancing competing demands to achieve policy goals — often in collaboration with the ruling parties — while differentiating themselves from the same establishment parties to sustain support from voters who view them as a viable alternative.”
As America Retreats, Japan and South Korea Can Step Up
Global Asia Forum – 5/26/2025
“As the US pivots decisively toward economic nationalism under President Donald Trump, implementing radical tariff measures that do not discriminate between friend and foe in pursuit of domestic re-industrialization, Japan and South Korea could emerge as critical bulwarks against systemic collapse. Together, these nations command nearly $7 trillion in economic heft along with technological prowess vital to global supply chains. The coming together of the two nations will not only strengthen their bilateral relations but can serve as a model for how middle powers can navigate their relations with superpowers altogether, embodying the “omni-enmeshment” approach through which Asian countries can collectively prosper in the era of great power competition.”
The Interpreter (Lowy Institute) – 2/17/2025
“Like Fumio Kishida before him, Ishiba has the job of navigating the increasingly complex and intertwined relationship between Japan and its two most important foreign counterparts, a challenge that will become ever more awkward as US-China competition intensifies. The difficulties are showing, with a growing bipartisan chorus of criticism regarding the Ishiba administration’s perceived ‘China leaning’ materialising over the recent announcement of a visa expansion.”
Nikkei Asia – 1/24/2025
“Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has cleared his first major hurdle since forming a minority government in October: securing the passage of a key supplementary budget and advancing political reform legislation during an extraordinary Diet session. Though largely successful, Ishiba is far from being out of the woods. This year he must face a slew of unanswered questions left over from the last few months of 2024.”
Japan and South Korea must keep relations on track in 2025
Nikkei Asia – 1/3/2025
Co-authored with Jinwan Park
“Just three months ago, Japan and South Korea seemed to be making steady progress in mending ties, seeking to overcome the historical tensions (stemming from Japanese colonial rule over the Korean peninsula) that had long challenged the relationship. And to the delight of the U.S., ties between the three countries were also blossoming. Since then, much has transpired — mostly in politics — that could upend the positive momentum. Japan is experiencing its first minority government in three decades after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition lost its lower house majority in an October election. South Korea’s government is in a much worse predicament, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his aborted declaration of martial law. And then, of course, there’s the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s return to the White House this month. Let’s look back at how ties had flourished — both bilaterally between the Asian neighbors and trilaterally including the U.S. — since 2022 under former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Yoon and outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden.”
An opposition party could hold the deciding vote on Japan’s national security policy
The Interpreter (Lowy Institute) – 12/19/2024
“Minority government has its challenges, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is discovering…. Utilising its popularity only second to the LDP in recent polls, the DPFP has already started to test its newfound leverage over the ruling parties, successfully negotiating the inclusion of key tax reform in exchange for a supporting vote in the Diet over this year’s supplemental budget, which was passed on 17 December. While it is largely expected to align with the LDP, differences have started to emerge, casting doubt on the established trajectory of Japan’s national security policy.”
Tokyo Review – 10/24/2024
“With newly appointed leader Ishiba Shigeru facing down strident opposition from the LDP’s conservative wing, this week’s General Election will be crucial in deciding how Abe’s legacy will influence the LDP.”
Japan would benefit from an economic security strategy
The Interpreter (Lowy Institute) – 10/23/2024
“An overarching, single document is the logical next step for a government that sees economic security as part of national security.”
Future of Korea-Japan relations under PM Ishiba
The Korea Times – 10/15/2024
Co-authored with Jinwan Park
“On Oct. 1, Japan confirmed Shigeru Ishiba as its new prime minister. Ishiba’s victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race came as a surprise to many, but his election was received warmly in nearby South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol and Ishiba held their first phone call on Oct. 2, in which the leaders agreed to make the “good relationship” sustainable and continue their in-person visits.”
Legislative Diplomacy Represents a New Frontier of US-South Korea-Japan Trilateral Cooperation
Korea Economic Institute of America – 10/2/2024
Co-authored with Jinwan Park
“Indeed, the impressive progress made in the year since the Camp David Summit has seen executive-led breakthroughs that have opened a window of opportunity for deeper trilateral cooperation. A missing link, however, is legislative cooperation that can withstand changes in government and supplement executive-led initiatives through budgetary and other means of support unique to the legislative branch. Now is the time for legislators to step up and build the enduring structures to keep that window open. A stronger relationship between the US, South Korean, and Japanese legislatures will ensure that this critical framework survives and prospers in an era of ever-shifting geopolitics.”
Balance Japan has struck between U.S. and China cannot hold
Nikkei Asia – 3/12/2024
“The question of “What if Trump wins?” is preoccupying Japanese media and academic circles as the former U.S. president moves closer to a third nomination as the Republican Party’s candidate. Japan must prepare not just for Trump 2.0’s possible impact on U.S.-Japan ties, NATO, the Ukraine war and the World Trade Organization. Tokyo must also consider how a second Donald Trump presidency could change Japan’s abiding existential strategy of standing with the U.S. on most matters while maintaining steady, stable business ties with China. This means Tokyo must prepare to confront the fact that the U.S.-China-Japan trilateral dynamic is becoming increasingly complex. As U.S.-China competition further intensifies, Japan’s relations with both countries will not be sustainable on the same basis as today.”
The LDP’s Right Wing Tries to Fill the Vacuum Left by Abe
Tokyo Review – 8/17/2023
“July 8 marked a year since the shocking assassination of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. The loss of the longest-serving leader in the postwar era and a political giant was felt throughout the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, but was felt most acutely by the right-wing of the faction, especially the Seiwakai faction that he led. Even after stepping down as prime minister, Abe’s presence endured as the figure able to pressure the more center-leaning, dovish Kishida Cabinet’s policy toward greater accommodation with the party’s conservatives.”
The LDP and Ishin no Kai – Together at Last?
Tokyo Review – 6/29/2023
“The Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) has emerged as a rising force in Japanese politics ever since the Lower House election in October 2021, when it captured four times more seats than it held prior to the election. Its presence has been growing on all fronts, from discussions on revising national security strategy documents to the recent immigration bill, serving as an anti-establishment and reformist force.”
Searching for Japan’s Role in the World Amid the Russia-Ukraine War
Boym Institute – 6/16/2023
“The G7 Hiroshima Summit concluded on May 21 with a communiqué reiterating continued support for Ukraine in face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Although Japan was perceived at the onset of the war as reluctant to go beyond condemning Russia at the expense of its own interests, it has since become one of the leading countries taking action during the war.”
Japan’s Search For Strategy Amidst Global High-Tech Competition
Asia Tech Observer – 5/29/2023
“Japan is one of many countries striving to identify a strategy to exist in this reality. To date, especially since the Abe administration, Tokyo has focused on developing defensive measures—preserving its innovative base—and proactive measures—shaping the rules of the game—to better position itself in this global competition for high-tech dominance. These endeavours will become increasingly important as Japan faces economic challenges such as a declining working-age population and as the line between civilian and military technology blurs.”
Why Japan Seeks a Security Clearance System
Tokyo Review – 3/24/2023
“Expected to be submitted as part of legislation to the Diet next year, the prime minister explained that such an authorization system would contribute to seamless cooperation with allies and partners, as well as to secure and expand international business opportunities for domestic industry. While significant hurdles exist, its introduction would better allow Japan to navigate the increasingly competitive global environment and to shape the regional economic order.”
Tokyo Review – 1/24/2023
“With Abe gone and the faction without a leader, the LDP’s conservative-nationalists face a decisive – and tumultuous – two years leading up to the 2024 presidential election. The choices they make during these transition years will write their fate and change the power dynamics within the country’s ruling party.”
Asia After Trump: Competitive Coexistence in the Biden Era
Northeastern University Political Review – 1/25/2021
“The diverse interests among Asia-Pacific states makes any like-minded coalition a challenge to establish. But with political constraints on US capacity to tackle issues alone, Washington must build a network that can collaborate on many issues. And because China, North Korea, and Russia will contest US interests beyond the Biden years, it is more realistic to pursue coexistence while shoring up defense against acts of coercion and aggression. Biden must harness his foreign policy expertise to bring in a broader range of states and force those who violate international norms to pay.”
Universal Basic Income Is Not Sound Policy (Yet)
Northeastern University Political Review – 1/6/2021
“While UBI is certainly a good idea, there is reason to be skeptical. Besides logistical issues, national divisions would make any attempt to overhaul social welfare a back-breaking task. Furthermore, confusion over UBI’s specifics and implementation makes it a hard sell for policymakers. It is therefore important to untangle the strands of UBI proposed over the years.”
Northeastern University Political Review – 10/30/2020
“While the Cold War-era bilateral arms control regime is out of date, that does not warrant a withdrawal from New START. The US should extend the only remaining agreement between the two largest nuclear states to prevent an unchecked arms race. The extension of New START should, as the name suggests, serve as a new start to update the arms control framework.”
Seeking an Answer to Overconcentration in Tokyo
Northeastern University Political Review – 10/12/2020
“As COVID-19 ravaged the world, Japan’s economy shrank more than at any time since data tracking began in 1980. New Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will undoubtedly make the recovery his top priority. But Suga should also properly address overconcentration in Tokyo, a serious problem that prolonged the pandemic. To produce tangible results, Suga should prioritize regional revitalization and take drastic measures that his conservative party typically resists.”
Denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula is Still a Distant Dream
Northeastern University Political Review – 10/6/2020
“Without policy reform, Pyongyang can continue to build its arsenal unchecked. The US should strive for the cessation of nuclear and missile-related activities and remain strategically consistent regardless of who has power.”
Saying Goodbye to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Northeastern University Political Review – 8/31/2020 | The National Interest – 9/9/2020
“Abe was destined for political stardom, coming from a political family—his maternal grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, was prime minister in the 1950s and his father, Shintaro Abe, was foreign minister in the 1980s. The most recent and influential member of that dynasty leaves behind a heap of unfinished business and a mixed legacy.”
Can the “Okinawa Problem” Ever Be Resolved?
Northeastern University Political Review – 8/12/2020
“Okinawa hosts more than 70 percent of US military installations in Japan, something they have demanded be redressed. Because their demands fall on deaf ears, Okinawans fiercely resist Japan–US solutions. The SMA talks present an opportunity to address this problem; negotiations could segue into a more consistent, frequent dialogue among all stakeholders to create a concrete mid- to long-term plan.”
Can China and Japan End Their Game of Chicken in the East China Sea?
Northeastern University Political Review – 7/1/2020 | Podcast (Spotify or Apple Podcast) – 9/11/2020
“While the East China Sea (Senkaku) issue has become an afterthought during the pandemic, it would be ideal to discuss a resolution now. With China facing increasing scrutiny for “mishandling” the outbreak, it may be more willing to concede to Japan in order to prevent further damage to its reputation. Additionally, China is eager to strengthen cooperation with Japan to revive its economy; continued provocation would threaten this goal.”
Trump-Kim Summit Before the 2020 Election? Don’t Bet On It.
The National Interest – 5/13/2020
“During this year’s annual New Year’s speech, Kim Jong-un declared that if the United States continued its hostile policy toward North Korea, “there will never be the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.” It’s a point Kim has stressed through the years—unless the U.S. concedes first, nothing will change. Since there are no indications of that happening, the remainder of this year will see little action between the two countries.”
Japan Should Have a Serious Debate on Revising Its Constitution—But Not Now
The Diplomat – 5/7/2020
“Since the party’s inception in 1955, the LDP has been dead set on revising the constitution and adding certain elements to it. A major hurdle has been the need to obtain a two-thirds majority in the Diet and pass a national referendum. Today, the LDP does not hold a super-majority in the upper house, making revision a difficult affair. Even still, Abe has continued to pursue this goal. On May 3 this year, the prime minister spoke at an online forum hosted by a pro- amendment group and said there is ‘no wavering in my resolve to amend the constitution.’ Specifically, he spoke of the need to pass the LDP’s 2018 reform proposal, which most notably would add an emergency powers clause to give more power to the government in times of crisis and revise Article 9 — the war-renouncing clause. This speech could not have come at a worse time.”
Will Anything Really Change If Kim Jong-Un Dies?
The National Interest – 4/28/2020
“As crazy as it sounds, Kim Jong-un brings stability and relative predictability to North Korea. Would his sudden death ensue in a smooth transition and continuation of the status quo, or a power struggle between elites that may destroy the regime altogether? Considering the Kim family’s importance to the nation’s identity, the first scenario seems far more likely. After all, the legitimacy of authority comes from being a member of the family.”
Japan and South Korea Should Use the Coronavirus to Patch up Their Differences
The Diplomat – 4/15/2020 | The National Interest – 4/13/2020
“Clearly, the coronavirus pandemic has worked to aggravate existing tensions between these two allies of the United States. However, there seems to be little to gain from prolonged conflict. Both countries have much to gain from better relations and have more in common than they think. With that in mind, South Korea and Japan should use this pandemic to begin improving relations for their own interests, and ultimately, the security of the entire Asia-Pacific.”
Japan Needs Strong Leadership to Stop the Coronavirus at Home
The National Interest – 4/15/2020
“The year 2020 was supposed to be special. With the 2020 Olympic Games coming to Tokyo, citizens all around the country were in a festive mood. That all changed when coronavirus forced the games to be postponed for a year. Since then, the number of cases have increased at a steady pace, to the point where Japan has declared a state of emergency. It has been a week since that declaration, with no sign of improvement in the situation. Clearly, the current response is inadequate. Unless a concerted effort is made by the government and its citizens, there will be no end to this pandemic.”
How America Should Use the Coronavirus Crisis to Restart North Korea Talks
The National Interest – 4/6/2020
“Each day, coronavirus runs rampant throughout the world. As of this writing, there have been over 1,041,126 coronavirus cases globally, while the death toll has exceeded 55,132. The United States alone accounts for approximately 24 percent of the world’s cases. No one is immune to the crisis, not even North Korea. Several reports claim that nearly 10,000 are in quarantine, while 180 North Korean soldiers have died. Despite these reports, North Korea vehemently denies any outbreak. In fact, as if to show their defiance in times of international crisis, Pyongyang continues to launch missiles.”
Why North Korea’s Missile Launches Are ‘Business as Usual’
The National Interest – 3/26/2020
“Kim Jong-un’s message is this: business as usual. With or without coronavirus, 2020 was going to be the year North Korea ramped up its efforts to build its defense program. Launches are a means to check the capability of their weapons. It also helps defend the narrative that Kim Jong-un will not back down and that the country will continue to fight hostile forces.”
The Special One? Why Abe Could Defy the Odds and Run for a Fourth Term
Northeastern University Political Review – 3/20/2020
“The idea of a “rule-breaking” fourth term for the incumbent leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been floating around for some time. Under party rules, the leader ‘may only serve up to three consecutive terms (nine years).’ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will reach that limit in September 2021, fueling rumors as to who will succeed him. While Abe himself admitted that a fourth term would be unlikely, several factors may push him toward launching another re-election campaign.”
Is Enough Enough?—Farmers’ Dilemma Heading Into 2020
Northeastern University Political Review – 11/4/2019
“The negative impact on global markets and the entire US economy is well documented. Without the trade war, the world economy’s growth would have been closer to 3.5 percent, rather than the current estimate of 2.6 percent. It seems necessary, however, to focus on the sector of the economy that has been hit the hardest, agriculture, and the choices those in the industry face heading into 2020.”
Re-Examining Japan’s North Korea Strategy—What Can Be Done?
Northeastern University Political Review – 10/24/2019
“Japan is falling behind in the North Korea talks, a product of its hawkish policy toward North Korea and its lack of bargaining power. Japan faces tough times without the necessary access to senior officials or policy options available to countries such as the US and China.”
Into the Reiwa Era — Japan’s Unique Position in the World
Northeastern University Political Review – 8/5/2019
“Japan can pursue a smart diplomatic strategy that would make the most of the current dilemma and cement its status as an international leader in the new Reiwa era.”
Ending the Okinawa Conflict: A Challenge for Democracy
Northeastern University Political Review – 3/20/2019
“While it does not seem reasonable to push American bases out of Okinawa immediately, this referendum provides ample reason to weigh the options available and evaluate what each would entail.”
Challenges to Democracy: Rewriting Japan’s Article 9
Northeastern University Political Review – 10/31/2018
“In the recent in-party election held on September 20th, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe secured a historic third term as the Prime Minister of Japan, defeating former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba by an overwhelming margin. Guaranteed executive control of the central government for the next three years, Abe has begun to set his political agenda for this term. Perhaps most noteworthy has been his reaffirmed desire to revise Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution, a task much easier said than done.”
The Thorn in Japan’s Side: Okinawa & The Relocation of the Futenma Base
Northeastern University Political Review – 9/30/2018
“The status of the pending relocation of this American military establishment depends entirely on the results of Okinawa’s gubernatorial election taking place on September 30th.”
Rintaro Nishimura 