Diplomacy | Politics
Policy Initiatives Toward an East Asian Community
A key accomplishment of Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio was setting the policy wheels in motion toward the eventual creation of an East Asian community. What specific concepts and proposals have been brought forward to guide Japan as it seeks to build new frameworks for the region, and what forms of international cooperation will be needed?
Economy
Lessons of Japan’s Bubble Economy
The first step in writing a prescription for the Japanese economy must be an accurate diagnosis of the causes of the persistent stagnation and deflation over the past two decades. Adopting a long-range perspective, economist Itoh Motoshige presents the pertinent facts. Fundamental restructuring is urgently needed to turn the economy around.
Society | Culture
Two Asian Societies in Transition
As Japan faces being overtaken by China as the world’s second largest economy, Chinese students make up the largest number of foreign students in Japan by far. How does Japan appear to these elite students, and what will experiences in Japan mean for future relations between the two countries?
Diplomacy | Politics
The Failings and Potential of the DPJ Administration
The September 2009 change of government was a momentous event in Japan’s political history. But the new DPJ administration has failed to live up to the great expectations people placed in it. Why has it not been able to fulfill its original goals? How can it do better?
Diplomacy | Politics
Divided Government Again
Just 10 months after its historic rise to power, the Democratic Party of Japan was dealt a serious setback in the recent upper house election. Takenaka Harukata discusses the election results and their implications for the party, the government, and the nation.
Society | Culture
Japanese Culture Takes on the World
The “Cool Japan” phenomenon has started to take off around the globe. But not everything from Japan has international appeal. The time has finally come for Japanese culture to compete without a handicap on the world stage, but we need to be realistic about the prospects.
Diplomacy | Politics
Challenges for Prime Minister Kan
On June 8, Kan Naoto assumed the office of prime minister and appointed a cabinet, becoming Japan’s sixth head of government in five years. What are some of the reasons for this extraordinary rate of turnover? What sort of background and qualifications does Kan have? And what challenges confront him?
Society | Culture
Japan’s Disappearing Act
Japan’s international presence has waned dramatically; it is now seen only as a fading economic power. The country stands at a crossroads: how can it boost its international profile and communicate its message more effectively to the world?
Economy
Gauging Japan’s “Sovereign Risk”
The Greek debt crisis has shaken Europe and the rest of the world, drawing renewed attention to the parlous state of Japan’s public finances. Though there is no immediate prospect of a collapse in the market for Japanese government bonds, the administration must offer a blueprint for fiscal rehabilitation.
Diplomacy | Politics
Rethinking the House of Councillors
The House of Councillors has been alternately derided as a rubber stamp and attacked for hamstringing the legislative process. Political scientist Takenaka Harukata explains and defends the chamber’s role, while advocating electoral reforms to preserve and enhance its unique contribution.
Economy
Can Japan Export Its Water Business?
Japan hopes to be able to win infrastructure business in other countries. It is especially proud of its water supply systems, which it would like to turn into an export item. But international success will depend on strong, multifaceted support from the government.
I took part in a symposium held in Sendai on October 31, 2011. Sponsored by the Japan Center for Economic Research, it was called “Envisaging Specific Visions for the Reconstruction of the Tohoku Region.” Murai Yoshihiro, governor of Miyagi Prefecture, delivered a keynote speech in the symposium, discussing his view on the reconstruction. The symposium got me thinking about reconstruction from the devastation left in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
