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Japan Forward
a day ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Washington Wants More from Japan: Defense Burden, Readiness, and Resolve
Former United States Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and Harvard University Professor Emeritus Joseph Nye — both regarded as leading "Japan hands" in Washington — have recently passed away. John Hamre, president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), has also announced his retirement. For years, visiting Armitage had become a near-ritual for Japanese politicians traveling to Washington. However, a senior researcher at a US think tank familiar with Japan-US relations notes that Japan still seems stuck in an outdated mindset. Tokyo, he notes, seems to think that simply engaging with a few Japan-friendly figures in Washington is enough to assure their interests are represented, even though that era is long over. It's a valid criticism. Perhaps reflecting a growing sense of urgency within the Japanese government, the Japan Foundation recently invited Oren Cass (41) to Japan. Cass, the founder of the conservative think tank American Compass and a close associate of US Vice President JD Vance who is known for expressing his views on the Donald Trump administration's trade policy. US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance shake hands at the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, July 15, 2024. (©REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz) In a recent Chuo Koron dialogue, however, it was not his views on trade that stood out most. Instead, he emphasized that debates over what percentage of GDP should go to defense were missing the point. What mattered, he argued, was whether countries like Japan and Germany could credibly defend themselves — Japan against China, and Germany against Russia — even if that meant substantially increasing their defense budgets. Elbridge Colby, US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Pentagon's third-ranking official, expressed a similar view in written testimony submitted to a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. He called for Japan to raise its defense budget to 3% of GDP as soon as possible. In his oral remarks, he also suggested that Taiwan should aim for 10%. Cass's position closely aligns with Colby's. During a recent visit to Japan, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed confidence that Japan would make sound decisions regarding the defense capabilities it needs. Although he refrained from commenting directly on defense spending, Cass's comments seem to reflect the prevailing sentiment within circles close to the Trump administration. Fred Fleitz is vice president of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank closely aligned with the Trump administration. He offered similar views in an interview with Seiron , speaking to The Sankei Shimbun 's Washington correspondent Yoshihisa Komori. While his tone was more restrained than Cass's, he suggested that President Trump is generally satisfied with Japan's recent moves to double its defense budget and, for the time being, isn't pressing for additional commitments. Although some in Trump's political base have called for more aggressive demands on Japan, Fleitz indicated that the president hasn't gone that far. Still, he noted that if expectations were to grow for Japan to assume greater responsibility and reduce the asymmetry in the alliance, the Trump administration would likely convey those expectations discreetly and amicably. This approach would contrast with the more public pressure it has applied to Europe. Matt Pottinger, former Deputy National Security Advisor under President Trump, also stressed the importance of preparing for a potential Taiwan contingency in a recent Bungei Shunju interview. He welcomed Japan's increased defense spending and the reinforcement of its bases in the Nansei Islands as positive developments. However, he argued that Japan, the US, and Taiwan must engage in more detailed coordination on how they would respond in the event of a crisis. According to Pottinger, the more clearly Japan demonstrates both the capability and determination to defend itself, the less likely it is that an actual conflict will occur. He underscored that while war can be avoided, it requires active measures. Deterrence is not possible through inaction. As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine and China asserts itself in the Indo-Pacific, authoritarian regimes are increasingly challenging the status quo by force. For experts close to the Trump administration, the message to Japan is clear: every country must be able to defend itself. The real concern, they suggest, is Japan's persistently passive stance. Economist Keiichiro Kobayashi, writing in Bungei Shunju , cautioned that Japan should not treat ongoing negotiations with the United States as merely a bilateral dispute over Trump tariffs. Instead, he urged Japanese policymakers to seize the moment. He wants them to propose a new framework for global economic governance and articulate a broader strategic vision. However, officials such as Defense Minister Gen Nakatani have maintained that trade and security issues should be treated separately. So far, there has been little indication that the government is prepared to engage in the kind of integrated, forward-looking dialogue Kobayashi advocates. This reluctance stands in stark contrast to the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Despite the intensifying pressure around Japan, the political response remains muted. On May 3, near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel intruded into Japanese territorial waters. The CCG then launched a helicopter launched from the vessel, which intentionally entered Japanese airspace. A CCG vessel (No. 2303) equipped with a 76mm cannon, as seen on the China Coast Guard website. Some members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) expressed frustration that the government's response amounted to this airspace violation little more than formal expressions of "regret" or "strong protest." It remains unclear, however, whether Japan's political leadership fully grasps the seriousness of the threat. This month, the only noteworthy political commentary came in the form of a Seiron dialogue between former LDP Policy Research Council Chair Koichi Hagiuda and former Minister for Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi. Hagiuda acknowledged that the so-called Trump tariffs present a serious national challenge, but also framed them as a chance for Japan to reexamine its domestic policies. While emphasizing the importance of maintaining shared values with the US as allies, he argued that Japan must begin reducing its dependence on America. This includes areas such as food self-sufficiency. Kobayashi agreed, expressing a similar sense of urgency. He stressed the importance of building a nation that is not swayed by foreign trends or external pressures. Offering advice to Kobayashi, who is considered a potential contender for LDP leadership, Hagiuda emphasized the need for political courage — the strength to stand firm and resist when necessary. The same standard, he implied, applies to himself. If Japan is to chart a more independent course, its politicians must act with conviction and demonstrate a willingness to confront challenges head-on. Relying on a handful of "Japan experts" in Washington is no longer sustainable. (Read the article in Japanese .) Author: Takashi Arimoto, The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Defense Strategy in Focus as China Escalates in East and South China Seas
On May 31, the defense ministers of Japan, the United States, Australia, and the Philippines met in Singapore. In a joint statement, they expressed "continued serious concern about China's destabilizing actions in the East China Sea (ECS) and the South China Sea (SCS) and any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion." The four nations also "committed to continue working together and with other like-minded partners to support peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Participants included Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. During the meeting, Nakatani noted China has become more active than ever in the East and South China Seas. This was the third meeting of the four defense ministers since May 2024. In the joint statement, they also agreed to develop their partnership in the four key areas of defense investments, information-sharing, cybersecurity and resilience, operational coordination and interoperability. Separately, Japan, the US, and Australia held a trilateral defense meeting. During the talks, the three nations agreed to conduct live-fire exercises and deepen cooperation related to Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Japan and Australia are procuring from the United States. In the bilateral Japan-US defense talks, the two sides agreed to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation. This move follows the passage of legislation in Japan enabling proactive cyber defense. They also confirmed plans to coordinate closely on the newly formulated American National Defense Strategy (NDS). When asked by reporters whether the US had requested Japan increase its defense spending, Nakatani declined to comment. Defense ministers from Japan, the US, Australia, and the Philippines attend the meeting. May 31, Singapore (©Sankei by Shusuke Takenouchi) That same day, Nakatani followed up these meetings with a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asia security summit. "We will work to restore a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific," he promised. He also stressed that through cooperation on defense equipment and other measures, "Japan will remain ASEAN's and the region's best partner." The four-nation Japan-US-Australia-Philippines defense ministers' meeting additionally signaled the desire to continue multilateral cooperation. With China's defense budget now more than four times Japan's, maintaining deterrence will require more than just the US-Japan alliance. Stronger ties with Australia and the Philippines, which face similar threats, are also essential. In February 2025, the four countries conducted cooperative maritime exercises in the South China Sea. China continues to face off with the Philippines by building artificial islands and expanding CCP military bases in waters under Manila's administrative jurisdiction. Meanwhile, in the seas off Australia, the Chinese navy has conducted live-fire drills. Both Australia and the Philippines face territorial intrusions, as Japan does around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. All three are contending with increasing Chinese military pressure. The framework of Japan-US-Australia-Philippines cooperation was launched under the previous Joe Biden administration. President Donald Trump has shown reluctance toward multilateral frameworks that limit US autonomy. Nevertheless, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines now appear to be aligning closely in hopes of drawing Trump's attention and securing continued US engagement. Japan is also advancing bilateral defense cooperation with both Australia and the Philippines. It has designated Australia as a "quasi-ally," second only to the US, and has plans to collaborate in developing counterstrike capabilities. Through direct assistance, Japan has provided the Philippines with air defense radar systems. Should the radar data eventually be shared with Japan's Self-Defense Forces, "movements of the Chinese military would be fully visible," according to a former defense minister. Notably absent from the latest talks was South Korea. In the event of a Taiwan contingency, Seoul's cooperation would be critical to deter provocations or escalation from North Korea. However, with South Korea in a transition period ahead of its presidential election, no minister-level official was dispatched to the security summit. Soldiers conducting live-fire drills in the Kinmen Island area, a Taiwanese outlying island (©Taiwan Ministry of National Defense/Kyodo). All five countries ー Japan, the US, Australia, the Philippines, and South Korea ー met for the first time in November 2024. A senior official at Japan's Ministry of Defense admitted, "We had hoped for all five nations to gather again." Defense cooperation between Japan and South Korea has effectively stalled since former President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a martial law emergency in December 2024. Nakatani is exploring an early visit to South Korea following the June 3 presidential election with a view to restarting engagement. (Read the related articles in Japanese.) Author: Shusuke Takenouchi, The Sankei Shimbun
3 days ago
- Business
Timeline for May 2025
The Bank of Japan decides at its policy meeting to keep its short-term interest rate at 0.5%. Due to the impact of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, it also significantly revises downward its economic growth forecast for this fiscal year. After the second round of negotiations over tariffs between Japan and the United States is held in Washington, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa Ryōsei says that discussions went further in-depth concerning trade expansion, nontariff barriers, and economic security. From right, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa Ryōsei and US representatives Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer line up for a photograph during Japan-US tariff negotiations in Washington DC on May 1, 2025. (© Jiji) 2 A search team discovers a body inside the truck that fell into a sinkhole that suddenly opened on a road in Yashio, Saitama, in January. The body is removed from the sewage network and brought to the surface. 3 A man is arrested by Kanagawa police after the body of a woman who was his former girlfriend is found in his house in Kawasaki. The woman's family criticizes the police for failing to respond appropriately. 4 The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announces that Japan's child population aged under 15 as of April 1, including foreign residents, is 13.7 million, after a decrease of 350,000 year on year. This is the forty-fourth straight year that the number has fallen. 6 The J-pop group Arashi announces that it will disband after its 2026 concert tour. 8 Toyota forecasts a 34.9% drop in its net profit to ¥3.1 trillion in the current fiscal year, due in part to the impact of the Trump tariffs. 9 House of Councillors lawmaker Nishida Shōji of the Liberal Democratic Party retracts his comment criticizing the Himeyuri Cenotaph that commemorates student nurses who died during the Battle of Okinawa as 'rewriting history,' saying that it was highly inappropriate. However, he says that his opinion has not changed. On May 16, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly passes a resolution protesting his comment as an insult to the war dead. 10 A Buddhist statue, stolen in 2012 from the temple Kannonji in Tsushima, Nagasaki, and taken to South Korea, is returned to the temple. 12 A 15-year-old boy is arrested on suspicion that he killed an 84-year-old woman who was stabbed to death the previous day in the city of Chiba. 13 After posting a huge net loss for fiscal 2024 of ¥671 billion, Nissan announces plans to close seven factories and cut 20,000 jobs. A research team identifies a fossil found in Mifune, Kumamoto, around 30 years ago as a new kind of pterosaur, the first to be discovered in Japan. Its scientific name is Nipponopterus mifunensis . 15 The combined net profit of Japan's big three megabanks hits a record ¥3.9 trillion for fiscal 2024, due partly to higher interest rates. 16 Japan's Diet passes a new active cyberdefense bill, making it possible for the government to monitor internet communications to prevent attacks. The Japan Meteorological Agency announces that Southern Kyūshū has entered the rainy season. This is 23 days earlier than in 2024 and 14 days earlier than average. It is the first time for an area other than Okinawa and Amami Ōshima to enter rainy season first since records began 62 years ago. 18 Princess Aiko goes to the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture for two days until May 19, in her first official visit to a disaster-hit area. Princess Aiko talks to residents of Shika on the Noto Peninsula on May 19, 2025. (© Jiji; pool photo) 20 Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko announces that the metropolitan government will waive basic water supply charges for all ordinary households for around four months this summer as a measure against the effects of inflation. The overall reduction in utility bills aims to free up funds for the use of air conditioning to reduce incidences of heatstroke. 21 Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Etō Taku resigns after a gaffe in which he said he had never bought rice because his supporters give it to him. He is succeeded by Koizumi Shinjirō. 22 At the inaugural Music Awards Japan, the musical act Creepy Nuts wins nine awards, including Song of the Year for 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born.' The members of Creepy Nuts show big smiles after winning the Song of the Year award at Rohm Theater in Kyoto on May 22, 2025. (© Jiji) 23 After the third round of negotiations over tariffs between Japan and the United States is held in Washington, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa states that it was possible to have franker and more in-depth discussions than on the previous occasion. The two sides are targeting an agreement before the next Group of Seven summit in June. President Trump announces his backing for a 'planned partnership' between Nippon Steel and US Steel on social media, claiming that the huge investment will create 70,000 jobs and add $14 billion to the US economy. 26 New Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Koizumi announces the sale of 300,000 tons of stockpiled rice on no-bid contracts at prices around half of winning bids at previous auctions, in an attempt to bring down soaring rice prices. The ministry begins accepting applications from major retailers on the same day. 28 The Japan Sumō Association board decides unanimously to promote rikishi Ōnosato to the rank of yokozuna . He is the first Japanese-born wrestler to become yokozuna since 2017, when the title went to Kisenosato, who is now Ōnosato's stablemaster under the name Nishinoseki. Ōnosato (center) holds two celebratory sea breams in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, on May 25, 2025, after winning the summer tournament. (© Jiji) 29 Tsutsui Yoshinobu becomes the new chair of Keidanren shortly after leaving his position as chairman of Nippon Life Insurance. He is the first representative of the finance world to head the business organization. 30 After the fourth round of negotiations over tariffs between Japan and the United States is held in Washington, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa says that the two sides have confirmed each other's positions and are working toward an agreement. The Imperial Household Agency announces that Komuro Mako—formerly Princess Mako—has given birth to a child. It is unclear when the child was born and if it is a boy or girl. (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Koizumi Shinjirō inspects the rice on sale at a Tokyo supermarket on May 23, 2025. © Jiji.)
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Japan PM Ishiba aims to advance US tariff talks
Japan PM Ishiba aims to advance US tariff talks TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday said Tokyo aims to advance tariff talks with the United States, with the goal of achieving an outcome during the Group of Seven summit next month. Japan's top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held a third round of Japan-US talks in Washington on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Kyoto, Ishiba said there has been progress in negotiations, pointing to discussions on trade expansion, non-tariff measures and economic security. 'We will continue to further refine our discussions with the G7 summit in mind,' he said. Ishiba on Friday held a 45 minute phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss security, diplomacy and tariffs and said they exchanged hope for an in-person meeting at the G7 summit. On Sunday, Ishiba expressed Japan's willingness to cooperate in shipbuilding. He said the US has shown interest in the possibility of repairing US warships in Japan and that Japan would like to assist. He said Japan has an advantage in icebreakers, such as those used on Arctic trade routes, which could become an area of cooperation with the US. In Tokyo, Akazawa on Sunday said the schedule for the next Japan-US talks is being arranged and that he hopes to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his next visit to the US. Speaking to reporters at Haneda Airport following his return from Washington, Akazawa said an agreement will be reached only when all elements are settled as a package, meaning that until everything is agreed upon, nothing is agreed upon. 'Therefore, I won't comment on how far we've progressed,' he said. – Reuters
New York Post
25-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aims to advance US tariff talks, eyes outcome at G7 summit
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday said Tokyo aims to advance tariff talks with the US, with the goal of achieving an outcome during the Group of Seven summit next month. Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, held a third round of Japan-US talks in Washington on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Kyoto, Ishiba said there has been progress in negotiations, pointing to discussions on trade expansion, non-tariff measures and economic security. 3 President Donald Trump and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are pictured at the White House in Washington DC, Feb. 7, 2025. Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images 'We will continue to further refine our discussions with the G7 summit in mind,' he said. Ishiba on Friday held a 45-minute phone call with President Trump to discuss security, diplomacy and tariffs and said they exchanged hope for an in-person meeting at the G7 summit. On Sunday, Ishiba expressed Japan's willingness to cooperate in shipbuilding. He said the US has shown interest in the possibility of repairing US warships in Japan and that Japan would like to assist. He said Japan has an advantage in icebreakers, such as those used on Arctic trade routes, which could become an area of cooperation with the US. In Tokyo, Akazawa on Sunday said the schedule for the next Japan-US talks is being arranged and that he hopes to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his next visit to the US. 3 Workers, back, unload vehicles while a car, center front, is moved to another location of the area, where export vehicles are parked at the Daikoku vehicle terminal center in Yokohama, near Tokyo, April 8, 2025. AP 3 Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, in April. Speaking to reporters at Haneda Airport following his return from Washington, Akazawa said an agreement will be reached only when all elements are settled as a package, meaning that until everything is agreed upon, nothing is agreed upon. 'Therefore, I won't comment on how far we've progressed,' he said.
