author

 
 
 Michael MacArthur Bosack

Meta

Michael MacArthur Bosack
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 6, 2019
The National Police Agency and the Senkakus
The next step in the evolution of Japanese security practice will involve growing pains, but for better or worse, the Abe administration has demonstrated its willingness to endure some friction to posture against China's steadily increasing presence in the East China Sea.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 15, 2019
Decluttering the Japan-South Korea debate
Accusations that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stands to gain politically by getting tough with South Korea miss the mark.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 30, 2019
Factional politics remain a force in Japan
With critical leadership positions and policy agendas being influenced by these formal groups, it is important to recognize the continued relevance of factions in Japanese politics today.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 25, 2019
Abe's chase for glory at the 2020 Olympics
Don't expect Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to pursue constitutional revisionism in earnest until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 22, 2019
For Japan, Upper House results signal stability
The results of the Upper House elections promise exactly what Prime Minister Shinzo Abe campaigned upon: stability.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 18, 2019
Remembering the role Japan played in the Forgotten War
For Japanese and South Koreans, this anniversary ought to present a reminder that back-and-forth erosion of trust is in neither of their self-interests.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 12, 2019
Japan's place in coalition-building against Iran
Japan's participation in any coalition in the Persian Gulf region is far from a foregone conclusion
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 8, 2019
Get ready for a Cabinet reshuffle
The Upper House election is unlikely to produce a significant change in the composition of the Diet, but it will still shape the near-term political landscape significantly.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 18, 2019
Success or failure for Abe in Tehran?
There are still miles to go in Abe's endeavor, and no one should be judging the Japanese government this early in the process.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 12, 2019
China's Senkaku Islands ambition
China aims to establish a situation of de facto co-administration of the Senkakus as a stepping stone to vying for sole administration at some point in the future.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 4, 2019
Why Japanese mediation of U.S.-Iran tensions makes sense
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to mediate between the U.S. and Iran is a logical move that could succeed in providing necessary off-ramps for the two countries.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 26, 2019
'Uncle Reiwa' is still not the front-runner to succeed Abe
Unfortunately for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, job effectiveness is not the principle determinant in selecting the prime minister.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 16, 2019
Understanding the peaks and valleys of Japan-South Korea ties
To improve bilateral relations, Tokyo and Seoul have to take advantage of open doors to cooperation.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 9, 2019
The market is open for Japan and North Korea
After years of being shut out from direct dealings with Pyongyang, it appears there is finally a window of opportunity for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to make contact with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 1, 2019
Getting U.S.-North Korean talks back on track
An inability on the part of the U.S. to adapt its negotiation strategy with North Korea will lead to a repeat of what we saw in Hanoi.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 24, 2019
Five takeaways from Japan-U.S. security talks
Last week's SCC meeting and joint statement put the allies on the right track, though not without a few noticeable speed bumps.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 22, 2019
Understanding Japan's southwest islands buildup
Japan is upgrading its military presence in the East China Sea in response to China's active challenging of Japanese sovereignty.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 15, 2019
Blazing the way forward in Japan-Australia security ties
RAA negotiations are an epoch-making template for Japan's security relationships.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 25, 2019
North Korean diplomacy after the Hanoi impasse
Look for Kim to play the Russia card to ratchet up pressure on U.S. and South Korea.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 13, 2019
Bad assumptions behind 'Cost Plus 50' plan
Trump's posture toward allies hosting U.S. forces could damage crucial relationships.

Longform

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