Japan

Kishida’s Resignation and the October 2024 General Elections – A Turning Point in Japanese Politics?

With the announcement of Fumio Kishida’s leadership coming to an end after his resignation in August 2024, a sense of shifting political powers emerged in Japan. Kishida served as Japan’s Prime Minister (PM) between 2021 and 2024, leading the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The end of the Kishida administration aimed to bring a fresh start for Japan, leaving room for his successor Shigeru Ishiba to be appointed LDP leader, becoming the new PM on 1 October 2024. Soon after coming into office he called for a snap general election, which was held on 27 October 2024. With the result of the election leading to a political impasse and looming uncertainty, what can be expected of Japan’s political developments and the future of EU-Japan relations?

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Forging Partnerships for the Future: Exploring EU-Japan Dialogue on Education, Culture and Youth 

The third EU-Japan dialogue on Education, Culture and Sports held in Tokyo on 3 April 2024 follows the previous meetings held in Budapest in 2018 and by videoconference in 2021 during the pandemic. It demonstrates a continued commitment to cooperation and addressing challenges in the EU-Japan partnership. In response to the issues posed by the pandemic, the dialogues have particularly explored innovative strategies for higher education, including digital education and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). These digital transformations offer promising avenues for the strengthening of sports diplomacy, fostering collaboration and deepening cultural exchanges.

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Opportunities for Japan in the EU

Japan is looking abroad, also to the EU. But can Europe deliver? If Japan chooses to seize the opportunity, Europe can be a fertile ground for Japan’s home-grown strategies. The EU has long looked to expand its reach to the East, thereby even breaking with its multilateral ideals when trading with new partners. The extended reach of EU-Japan cooperation signals the willingness of both parties to create a stronger bond, and an opportunity for Japan to get closer to gain stronger security guarantees, closer relationships with external partners and more expansive trade.

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Japan and the European Chips Act

Japan is investing heavily to become a major producer of high-end electronic components, while the EU is looking to secure resilient supply chains. This might be the perfect opportunity for the EU and Japan to strengthen their ties and form a closer bond, truly realizing their respective and joint potential.

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Kishida’s Shaky Future: Navigating the LDP’s Uncertain Future

Will Kishida last? New polls show falling approval for the Japanese LDP Prime Minister. This closely mirrors the situation his predecessor Yoshihide Suga was in before him, ultimately leading to his resignation. While Kishida has made it clear that a new election is only due to take place in September 2024, how can potential risks and instabilities as a result of his dwindling support be mitigated by then and what can be envisioned for the future of EU-Japan relations?

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What’s Next for EU-Japan Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?

December 2022 was a historic month for Japan’s foreign affairs. By targeting an increase of defence spending from 1% of its annual budget to 2% over the next 5 years and publishing new defence and security strategies, Japan is reacting to Asia’s new regional security environment. With new defence capabilities and a growing willingness to cooperate with “like-minded countries”, it is thereby making headway to become a stronger security actor in the region.

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PAST EVENT: A new chapter for Japan’s national security strategy: implications for Europe and the United States

On Friday, 12 May 2023, the Brussels Office of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs – Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) and the European Institute for Asian Studies organised an
expert exchange at the Representation of the State of Hessen to the European Union on Japan’s security policy and its implications for Europe and the United States.

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