author

 
 

Meta

Twitter

@jljzen

Jesse Johnson
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 17, 2021
Japan and U.S. conduct first joint anti-submarine drill in South China Sea
Analysts say that the announcement of the drill was intended to signal the growing U.S.-Japan security partnership amid China's increasingly assertive military moves.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 16, 2021
Biden-Xi talks focus on managing intensifying U.S.-China rivalry
Although no major breakthroughs were announced, the White House said the two leaders had discussed “the importance of managing competition responsibly.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 10, 2021
Kishida's picks for top diplomat and rights adviser hint at striking balance on China
After just over a month in office, some experts say Kishida may be looking to moderate an increasingly hawkish approach to Tokyo's relationship with Beijing.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
Nov 7, 2021
Can South Korea’s main presidential candidates revitalize relations with Japan?
The conservative opposition People Power Party has tapped former top prosecutor Yoon Seok-youl, 60, as its presidential candidate, while the ruling Democratic Party picked Lee Jae-myung, 56.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 1, 2021
Big-name Japanese politicians chopped down to size in Lower House poll
Sunday's election saw a number of well-known lawmakers lose in their districts, with a handful regaining seats in the lower chamber via the proportional representation system.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 31, 2021
Bold foreign policy moves unlikely as Kishida bides time ahead of Upper House election
Kishida has laid out pressing foreign policy priorities — from a tougher stance on China to bolstering the U.S.-Japan alliance. But don't expect radical changes from the new leader.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Oct 20, 2021
North Korea's new SLBM prompts Japan to consider seeking strike capability
Pyongyang's recent spate of weapons tests have triggered concern in Tokyo, with top officials openly suggesting the possibility of Japan acquiring the ability to attack enemy bases.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 19, 2021
Chinese and Russian navies' Tsugaru Strait transit highlights growing defense ties
The sailing through the narrow strait separating Japan's main island and Hokkaido follows drills between the two nations in the Sea of Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 18, 2021
Japan's LDP vows sharp defense budget hike, but public focus elsewhere
With voters and the party's coalition partner, Komeito, more concerned about resuscitating Japan's pandemic-hit economy, large increases to defense outlays are unlikely to win much support.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Oct 14, 2021
North Korea’s display of weaponry hints at what to expect in the months to come
Analysts say Kim Jong Un is positioning himself to ride out the pandemic and the Biden presidency — all while normalizing his regime's weapons tests.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 9, 2021
China's Xi says reunification with Taiwan 'will be realized'
Xi sounded an ominous tone, reiterating that “Taiwan independence is the greatest obstacle to national reunification and the most grave hidden danger to national rejuvenation.'
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / EXPLAINER
Oct 6, 2021
Saber-rattling around Taiwan ratchets up tensions to new heights
Chinese incursions into the self-ruled island's air defense identification zone and drills by democratic nations off Okinawa have highlighted the severity of the situation around Taiwan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 5, 2021
Fixed-wing aircraft flown from Japanese warship for first time since WWII
The Defense Ministry has confirmed the successful landing and departure of cutting-edge F-35B stealth fighter jets operated by the U.S. Marines from the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Izumo.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 5, 2021
Kishida moves quickly to hold talks with 'Quad' leaders
In separate talks with U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 4, 2021
Kishida uses new Cabinet to signal continuity to allies and China
Japan's new prime minister will need to draw upon his extensive experience as foreign minister in balancing relations with Beijing.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 3, 2021
China sends record number of warplanes near Taiwan for second day in a row
Although mass incursions had been rare until recently, large numbers of Chinese warplanes now routinely conduct operations near Taiwan, stoking fears of training for a conflict.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 29, 2021
North Korea says it tested difficult-to-stop 'hypersonic missile'
Hypersonic missiles are far faster and more maneuverable than ballistic ones, making them potentially difficult targets for missile defenses.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 28, 2021
North Korea conducts third weapons test in just over two weeks
The test came as the North's U.N. envoy told the General Assembly that his country had a “right” to develop weapons for self-defense in the face of the United States' “hostile policy.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 21, 2021
LDP leadership contender Sanae Takaichi holds rare talks with Taiwan president
Tsai Ing-wen joined the meeting with the conservative LDP politician, who is known for her hawkish views on China, in her capacity as head of Taiwan's ruling DPP.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Sep 20, 2021
LDP contenders put China in crosshairs in bid to win votes
Foreign policy has taken on increased importance in the party's presidential race, as candidates are trying to win over conservative members with a tough stance on Beijing.

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?