JAPAN MONITOR

Japan Monitor (12/2024). The most important event in December was the meeting between the foreign ministers of China and Japan. The Japanese side presented plans to relax visa policy for Chinese travellers. The government in Beijing confirmed promises to gradually resume imports of Japanese seafood. Further high-level meetings are expected to address key contentious issues including historical problems. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2024). The key developments in November are a reaction to Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election. The Ishiba Shigeru administration made immediate attempts to establish communication with the President-elect and key members of his new administration. The efforts did not yield the expected results. Download November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2024). The most important event in October was the elections to the lower house of parliament, which led to the ruling coalition losing its majority. Both the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito lost a significant number of seats. The biggest winner of the elections is the Constitutional Democratic Party, which won 148 seats in the lower house. Download the complete information from October, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2024). The most important event in September was the election of the new chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party to become Prime Minister. The winner was the experienced politician Ishiba Shigeru. In foreign policy one should take a closer look at relations with Beijing. Download the complete information from September, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2024). The most important event in July and August was the declaration of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who announced that he would not put his name forward in the upcoming elections as chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party. The winner will replace Kishida as party leader as well as Prime Minister. In foreign policy, one should note the ongoingdiplomatic talks with the PRC. Download the complete information from July and August, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2024). The highlight of June was the next round of trilateral negotiations between the United States, Japan and South Korea. In domestic politics, one should take a closer look at  the adoption of a new law on the control of political funds and the announcement of candidates in the upcoming election for PLD president. Download the June news release with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2024). In May one should note a number of diplomatic events directed at countries in the Global South. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa visited Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio attended the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development summit in Paris followed by visits to Brazil and Paraguay. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2024). The most important event in Japan's foreign policy was Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's visit to the United States to sign agreements under the new 'global partnership'. One should also notice Japan's increasing spending in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. Download the entire April briefing with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2024). Events in March were dominated by the work of a committee investigating the background of the financial scandal in the Liberal Democratic Party. None of the politicians interviewed admitted involvement in the process of creating a mechanism for transferring surplus funds raised during fundraising events to the accounts of PLD politicians. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2024). The highlight of February was a conference in Tokyo for the reconstruction of Ukraine, attended by representatives of 200 Japanese companies interested in rebuilding Ukrainian economy. Domestic politics are still dominated by the Liberal Democratic Party's revenue concealment scandal. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2024). Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's administration is attempting to bring the disastrous consequences of the election fund hiding scandal under control. The Prime Minister is calling for the need to cleanse the LPD and for the dissolution of existing political factions. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2023). A scandal over fraudulent election fundraising has engulfed the largest faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The faction once led by former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has been accused of mismanaging finances raised through annual fundraising. Prosecutors and the media are investigating the entanglement of leading PLD politicians including members of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's cabinet. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2023). The organisation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the United States saw a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Another important event  was the trilateral summit of the foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea in Busan. Download November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2023). The most interesting developement in October are falling ratings of the Kishida Fumio government, proving that September's cabinet reconstitution did not deliver the expected results. In foreign policy one should take a closer look at  cautious declarations following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict attract attention. The Foreign Minister will visit Israel and Jordan in early November. Download the complete information from October, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2023). In domestic politics, one should note the reconstitution of Kishida Fumio's cabinet triggered by falling public support. The increase in the number of women in the Cabinet and the appointment of new faces to ministerial posts were intended to refresh the Prime Minister's image. In foreign policy, it is worth noting the apparent deterioration in relations with China. Download the complete information from September, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2023). The most important event in July was the NATO summit in Lithuania, to which the president of Ukraine and the leaders of Japan and South Korea were invited. In August, during the trilateral summit of the United States, Japan and South Korea, there was a clear tightening of allied relations. It is also worth paying attention to the visible deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations and the introduction of trade restrictions on Japanese food. Download the complete information from July and August, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2023). Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has made it clear that he will not dissolve the Lower House and call early elections during the current ordinary session of the Diet. In June, the Kishida administration saw a marked drop in support in opinion polls. The main reason are problems with the 'My Number' identification system. Download the June news release with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2023). The key event in May was the G7 summit in Hiroshima, which did not bring breakthrough announcements in key areas such as nuclear disarmament or the future of the war in Ukraine. The constructive approach to Beijing's activity on bringing the conflict to the end should be noted. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2023). The most interesting developments in April centered around the G7 ministerial summit. One should also take a look at the failed attack on Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and the results of the local and parliamentary by-elections. Download the entire April briefing with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2023). The most interesting developments in March centred around Japan-Korea talks aimed at rebuilding bilateral relations. Governments in Tokyo and Seoul took a number of key steps that seek to ease historical and trade disputes. Also noteworthy was Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's surprise visit to Kiev and pledges to increase aid to Ukraine. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2023). The most interesting developments in February centered around the Japan-Korea talks, which aim to defuse the dispute over the exploitation of Korean workers by Japanese corporations during the Japanese occupation. One should also take a look at Japan's dialogue with China and the appointment of a new head of the Bank of Japan. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2023). The highlight of January was Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's visit to Washington. The Japanese government received Joe Biden's support to increase military spending and developing a preventive strike capability. The strengthening of cooperation in the areas of cyber security and outer space is also worth noting. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2022). The most important development in December was the approval of new security guidelines, which include a project to double arms spending and obtaining a capability to carry out preemptive strikes against enemy missile bases. Public opinion polls showed that 60% of Japanese support the new security strategy. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2022). The highlight of November was the first meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden at the G-20 summit in Bali, which is expected to cool tense relations around the Taiwan Strait. The two sides agreed to open a working dialogue in several key areas such as climate protection. Download November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2022). The most important event in October was the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party where we could observe further consolidation of power in the hands of Xi Jinping. In the coming months, Japanese diplomacy will attempt to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chairman Xi. Download the complete information from October, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2022). The most important event in September was the state funeral of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō, which caused much controversy in Japanese domestic politics. Also noteworthy was the deterioration of Japan-Russia relations and the BOJ's strategy to combat inflation. Download the complete information from September, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2022). The most important event in July was the assassination of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzō. Abe's death will have a significant impact on the future of Japan's domestic and foreign policy. In August, one should take a closer look at the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.Download the July and August news release with commentary here. Download the complete information from July and August, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2022). The most significant development in June was the NATO summit in Madrid, attended for the first time by the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Also noteworthy was the Japan-Korea rapprochement and growing criticism of the Japanese government triggered by rising prices. Download the June news release with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2022). President Joe Biden outlined the New Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) program in Tokyo. Also of note are comments on Taiwan and faster price growth in the Japanese economy. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2022). In April, one should take a closer look at Japan's intensified diplomatic activities in Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Another significant event was a delegation of the President-elect of South Korea in Tokyo, which heralds a warming of bilateral relations. Download the entire April briefing with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2022). The most significant development in March was the suspension of peace treaty negotiations between Japan and Russia. In response, authorities in Tokyo announced that they would strip Russia of its "most favored nation" status. President Zelenski's speech before the Japanese parliament is also worth noting. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2022). Russia's invasion of Ukraine dominated events in February. Japan condemned the Russian attack and imposed a series of sanctions in coordination with the United States and the European Union. Japanese public opinion is concerned that the war in Ukraine will have severe consequences for the East Asian region. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2022). The highlight of January was the virtual summit between Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and President Joe Biden. Also of note was the joint statement between the United States and Japan on Ukraine. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2021). The major developments in December revolve around the United States' decision to boycott the Winter Olympics in China. Also of note are further tensions in Japan-China relations and growing importance of Taiwan. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2021). The highlight of November was the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to Japan. The two countries signed several economic agreements and launched cybersecurity cooperation. One should also note the deteriorating financial situation in Japan and the approval of a new economic package. Download November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2021). A month after Kishida Fumio became Japan's new prime minister, a coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito won the lower house elections. Even though the ruling coalition lost more than 40 seats, the election result allowed it to form a stable government. The result of the October elections should be treated as a success of the new prime minister and a defeat of the coalition of opposition parties. Download the complete information from October, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2021). The most important event in September was the victory of Kishida Fumio in the elections for the chairman of the PLD. In terms of foreign relations, it is worth paying attention to the military agreement signed between Japan and Vietnam. Economic issues were dominated by the need to limit production in the automotive sector. Download the complete information from September, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2021). In recent months, the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which caused much controversy in Japan, have attracted the most media attention. In foreign policy, there has been a deterioration in relations with China due to rhetoric about Taiwan. In domestic politics, it is worth noting the decline in popularity of Suga Yoshihide's cabinet and the PLD's poor results in local elections. Download the July and August news release with commentary here. Download the complete information from July and August, including the commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2021). June is noteworthy for the significant acceleration of the government's immunization program and another round of Japan's vaccine diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. The launch of mass vaccination centers led to a significant acceleration of the immunization program. Achieving a rate of one million vaccinations per day and expanding the program to people under the age of 65 should be seen as a success of the Suga administration. The Japanese government also announced the donation of a significant amount of AstraZeneca vaccines to Asia-Pacific countries. The vaccines are expected to flow to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand in the coming weeks. Download the June news release with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2021). The highlight of May was the G7 summit in London, where Japanese diplomacy focused on criticizing China. One should also notice the waning support for the prime minister's cabinet due to its failure to fight COVID-19 and its society's opposition towards holding the Olympics. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2021). The highlight of April was Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's visit to the United States and first meeting with President Joe Biden. The purpose of the summit was to reaffirm the alliance and military cooperation between Tokyo and Washington. The two countries' leaders presented a joint position that portrays China as the main security threat in the Asia-Pacific region on many diplomatic levels. Download the entire April briefing with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2021). The significant events of March were undoubtedly the QUAD summit and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to Tokyo. Both events were rife with criticism of Beijing. The confusion over the Japanese app Line, which shared user data with Chinese entities, is also worth noting. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2021). Events in February were dominated by discriminatory statements by the head of the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, which opened a debate on discrimination against women in politics and business. In foreign policy, one should notice the Japanese government's reaction to events in Burma and China's stronger activity in the waters near the Senkaku Islands. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2021). Events in January were dominated by the third wave of COVID-19 and rumors regarding the cancellation of the Olympic Games. The beginning of the year brought a series of further image mishaps by Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's government. One should also notice the entry into force of the Japan-Britain trade agreement and London's intention to join the Pacific Partnership. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2020). December events were dominated by the rise of COVID-19 infections within Japan, which led to a decline in the popularity of Sugi Yoshihide's government. Also noteworthy were a number of declarations and actions related to the implementation of a new climate strategy. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2020). One of the highlights in November was the Chinese foreign minister's visit to Tokyo. It is also worth noting the strengthening of cooperation within QUAD. In terms of economic events, it is clear that Japanese companies are preparing for the third wave of the pandemic. However, the most important economic event was the signing of the RCEP economic treaty. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2020). One of the most important events in October was the QUAD summit in Tokyo. Japanese and U.S. representatives used the meeting to promote the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative. Also noteworthy were the Japanese Prime Minister's visits to Vietnam and Indonesia to build good relations with ASEAN members. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2020). The most important event in September was the election of Sugi Yoshihide as Japan's new prime minister. Also worth watching are the dynamics of Sino-Japanese relations and former Japanese Prime Minister Mori Yoshiro's visit to Taiwan. Outgoing Prime Minister Abe Shinzō announced major changes to Japan's security strategy. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2020). The most significant event in recent months has been the unexpected resignation of Abe Shinzō, as prime minister. It is also worth looking at Japanese-British trade negotiations, which have failed to reach a conclusion despite assurances from representatives of both governments. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2020). In June, the most significant development was the Defense Minister's surprise decision to suspend the Aegis land-based missile shield project. With penalties imposed for breaking the contract, the Japanese government will likely have to bear costs the size of $1.6 billion for a project that will never be completed. In contacts with the CEE region, it is important to highlight the fact that the Polish government is holding talks with Japan's Narita Airport and Korea's Incheon Airport on potential cooperation in the construction of the Central Communications Port. The talks are to lead to the selection of a strategic advisor during the realization of the investment. Download the entire June news story with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2020). Japan's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed territorial claims over the South Kurils, which could mean a hardening of its stance toward Moscow. Also of note in May are anti-China statements by Japanese politicians and another scandal that could herald serious problems for the Abe Shinzō administration. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2020). The most important event in April was the decision to impose a state of emergency throughout Japan. It is also worth noting the announcement of a new aid program for the Japanese economy and the deteriorating ratings of the current government. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2020). Events in March have been dominated by another wave of coronavirus infections in the Japanese capital. The government is preparing for a state of emergency and the possibility of isolating Tokyo. The most significant event was the decision to postpone the Olympic Games until 2021. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2020). A coronavirus outbreak dominated events in February. The growing number of infections is a serious political challenge for Prime Minister Abe's cabinet. The government's efforts to combat the virus are under close scrutiny by Japan's opposition. The outbreak has led to the postponement of Xi Jinping's scheduled visit to Japan in April, which is a serious blow to the government's foreign policy. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2020). The highlight of January was Prime Minister Abe's five-day visit to the Middle East, arranged despite the increased threat in the region. Also of note were the controversy over the deployment of an SDF mission near the Gulf of Oman and the 60th anniversary of signing a military treaty between Japan and the United States. Download the entire January news story along with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2019). The highlight of December was the short-notice visit by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Also noteworthy were progress in Japan-South Korea talks and the first high-level meeting between Prime Minister Abe Shinzō and President Moon Jae-in in 15 months. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2019). Key developments in November center around attempts to salvage the GSOMIA intelligence agreement between Japan and South Korea. Also worth noting is the issue of Sino-Japanese relations in the wake of the Hong Kong protests. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2019). The highlight of October was the coronation of Japan's new emperor. The ceremony was accompanied by a series of high-level diplomatic meetings with South Korea and China representatives, among others. It is worth noting the softening of anti-Japanese rhetoric of the authorities in Seoul. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2019). In September, the most important event was the signing of a declaration preceding the entry into force of a bilateral trade agreement between Japan and the United States. Also of note was the progressive boycott of Japanese products in South Korea, which has clearly affected trade relations and tourism. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2019). The highlights of the past two months revolve around the ongoing deterioration of bilateral relations between Japan and South Korea. "A small trade war" has spilled over into regional security cooperation. Also worth noting is the progress in trade negotiations between Washington and Tokyo. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2019). The most important event in June was the G20 summit in Osaka. Priorities for this year's conference included free trade, WTO reform, and the fight against plastic waste. The events in Osaka were dominated by trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Also noteworthy was Prime Minister Abe's mission to Iran. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2019). The most important event of May was the abdication of Emperor Akihito and the accession to the throne of his son Naruhito. In connection with the ceremony of the transfer of the Imperial Regalia, one of the longest holiday periods in history was introduced in Japan. Also of note was President Trump's visit and Japan's involvement in negotiations with Iran. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2019). The most important event in April was the abdication of Emperor Akihito. Prime Minister Abe traveled to Brussels and held a series of meetings with European leaders. Ideas of developing cooperation between Tokyo and the European Union struck a chord with Washington and Beijing on trade policy. Also worth noting is the progress in trade talks between Japan and the United States. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2019). Key developments in March point to a further slowdown in Japanese-Russian talks on signing a peace treaty and territorial dispute. The U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty has led to a marked deterioration in relations with Moscow, which has negatively affected Japanese-Russian negotiations. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2019). The most important event of the past month was President D. Trump's meeting with Kim Jong Un in Hanoi. Also noteworthy was the entry into force of the Japan-EU trade agreement and Washington's growing discontent over the slow pace of trade talks with Tokyo. Despite the meeting of the ministers of the SZ, no improvement in Japanese-Korean relations was observed. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2019). Events in January centered around the deterioration of Japanese-Korean relations. After a series of mutual accusations, Japan broke off working talks on the incident in the Sea of Japan. The most important event was Prime Minister Abe's visit to Russia, which cooled the Japanese administration's hopes for rapid progress in the dialogue on the South Kuriles. Download the entire January news story with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2018). The past month's highlights revolve around the continued escalation of tension between Tokyo and Seoul. The unexplained incident in the Sea of Japan has opened up a new dispute at the level of Defense Ministers. Japan's withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission is also worth noting. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2018). The highlights of the past month revolve around the acceleration of Russian-Japanese negotiations on the signing of a peace treaty and confirmation of the status of the disputed South Kuriles. It is also worth noting the rapid deterioration of Japan's relations with South Korea. Download the entire November news with commentaryhere.

Japan Monitor (10/2018). The highlight of the past month was the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to China, during which a number of business and political agreements were signed. Also noteworthy was the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Japan and the tense domestic political situation following the local elections in Okinawa. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2018). One of the most interesting developments of the past month was President Vladimir Putin's proposal to sign a peace treaty between Russia and Japan at the Vladivostok Economic Forum. The most important development in Japanese-American relations was the decision to open trade negotiations. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2018). The most important developments in July and August centered around the escalation of the trade conflict initiated by the Donald Trump administration. Of note is the rapid progress of negotiations between Japan and China, which are set to develop economic and political cooperation on several fronts. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2018). The highlights of June revolve around Donald Trump's meeting with Kim Jong Un. Of note is the rapid change in policy by the Japanese government as it prepares to engage in direct dialogue with North Korea. Tokyo's relations with Washington are increasingly showing signs of a trade conflict, especially after announcements about raising tariffs on cars imported to the United States. Download the entire June news release with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2018). The highlights of May revolve around the PRC Prime Minister's visit to Japan and numerous declarations indicating improved bilateral relations. Also noteworthy are the dialogue with Russia and preparations for the effects of President Donald Trump's meeting with Kim Jong Un. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2018). The highlight of April was South Korean President Moon Jae-in's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The signing of a declaration launching peace talks led to an apparent reduction in tensions in the region. The Japanese government is watching the dialogue with a great deal of distrust and fears being pushed away from the negotiating table. It is also worth noting the continued problems of the Ministry of Finance. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2018). The past month's highlights revolve around Tokyo's deteriorating relations with Washington following the announcement of tariffs and President Donald Trump's change in policy towards North Korea. It is also worth noting the growing internal problems faced by the administration of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2018). The most important event of the past month was the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics and the series of high-level meetings that accompanied it. Most controversial is the opening of dialogue between South and North Korea, which performed under a common flag during the Olympics. The Japanese government is anxious about the possibility of starting a diplomatic dialogue without progress toward denuclearization. The debate over revising Japan's constitution is also worth watching. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2018). The highlights of the past month revolve around the process of rebuilding trust between Tokyo and Beijing. Following the Japanese Foreign Ministry chief's visit to Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hopes for improving relations, stating that the Japanese government's efforts have been evaluated positively. From the European perspective, the most interesting event was the Japanese prime minister's five-day visit to the Baltic States and the Balkans, which almost ended in a diplomatic scandal by his Romanian partners. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2017). December sees a further escalation of tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and an increasingly assertive stance by Russia and the United States. Also noteworthy are Japan's increased arms spending and its decision to deploy the Egida missile defense system. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2017). The most interesting developments of the past month centered around the increasingly tense dialogue on North Korea and security in the Asia-Pacific region. It culminated in the successful test of a North Korean ballistic missile that could carry a warhead into the United States. It is also worth noting Russia's increasingly assertive stance in security talks and the signing of a peace treaty. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2017). The most significant event in October was the elections to the lower house of parliament. The ruling PLD-New Komeito Coalition received surprisingly strong support in maintaining its dominance. The Constitutional Democratic Party led by Edano Yukio also came as a surprise. The biggest losers in the election are undoubtedly Governor Koike Yuriko and former PD leader Seiji Maehara, who stepped down. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2017). In September, the most significant event was the decision to hold early elections for the lower house on October 22. Also of note were positive decisions allowing Polish meat producers to resume exports to Japan. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2017). July and August were dominated by the issue of the growing threat from North Korea. A succession of missile tests, a missile launch over Japanese territory, and a nuclear test in early September brought tensions in the region to a critical state. It is also worth taking a look at the cabinet reshuffle and the problems of the ruling party. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2017). The most important events of the past month revolve around another political scandal that implicates the head of the Japanese government. Criticism related to the "Kake" scandal and the pushing through parliament of the "anti-conspiracy bill" caused a visible decline in support for the current cabinet. One should also note the immediate prospect of signing a trade agreement with the EU and the continuation of a conflict over energy policy. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2017). Key developments in May centered around the development of political dialogue between the authorities in Tokyo and Beijing. With growing criticism of the United States, Japan's political class is considering participation in alternative economic integration projects such as OBOR and the AIIB. As for policy in the CEE region, it is worth noting the growing investment of Japanese entrepreneurs in our country and the continuation of the energy dialogue. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2017). The most important event in April was the visit of the Vice President of the United States to Tokyo. It is worth noting the far-reaching assurances on security cooperation and the assertive stance of the Japanese Ministry of Finance regarding the signing of a bilateral trade agreement. Policy in the region has visibly shifted due to the growing threat from North Korea. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2017). Last month, it was noteworthy to highlight a number of events and conversations pointing to the growing threat from Pyongyang. A right-wing section of Japan's political class succeeded in bringing about the start of a parliamentary dialogue on the possibility of a pre-emptive attack on North Korean military installations. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2017). The highlights of the past month centered around Prime Minister Abe's visit to the White House. The new president and his administration reaffirmed security guarantees to Asian allies. It is also worth noting the dynamics of Japan's relations with its neighbors. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2017).  The highlights of the past month centered around Donald Trump taking office. The new US leader's comments and actions so far have caused chaos among Japanese politicians and business representatives. Also noteworthy was the sharp deterioration of relations with South Korea and the escalation of the conflict over the comfort women statue and the disputed Dokdo/Takeshima islands. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2012). Despite the lack of a breakthrough in negotiations, the highlight of the past month was the Russian president's visit to Tokyo. The leaders of the two countries signed a number of agreements on economic cooperation in Siberia. Prime Minister Abe announced his readiness to hold another summit in Russia in the first quarter of 2017. It is also worth noting the deteriorating relations with South Korea and the growing activity of Japanese investors in Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (11/2016).  The highlight of the past month was the Indian Prime Minister's official visit to Japan, during which a nuclear cooperation agreement was signed. A tightening of strategic relations in the face of China's growing activity is also evident. It is also worth noting the changing situation around the Japanese-Russian peace treaty negotiations. Another interesting event was the signing of an agreement on information exchange with South Korea. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (10/2016).  The most interesting event of the past month was Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Japan. The visit generated much excitement because of the new leader's conflicted attitude toward cooperation with the United States. In Polish-Japanese relations, talks on energy cooperation came to the fore. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (9/2016). September saw a warming in Japanese-Russian relations and mixed signals from China regarding relations with Japan. In domestic politics, we note preparations for elections and the debate over the future of Japan's constitution. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (7-8/2016). In July and August, Japan's foreign policy focused on the growing dispute with China, triggered by the decision of the Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Also noteworthy were the election results for the upper house of the Japanese parliament and the approval of another aid package for the Japanese economy. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (6/2016). This month's Monitor features the impact of the British referendum on the Japanese economy and the increasingly advanced pre-election campaign by Prime Minister Abe and the PLD. In the economic section, the scandal at the Mitsubishi conglomerate continues. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (5/2016). This month's highlights revolve around the organization of the G7 summit on the Japanese island of Ise. A number of important political meetings between Prime Minister Abe and other leaders in the group took place. An unprecedented element was President Barrack Obama's visit to Hiroshima. On the economic front, the battle over the VAT increase and the Mitsubishi buyout continued. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (4/2016). The most important news in April is the unfavorable outcome for Japan of the tender for the supply of submarines to Australia. Also worth noting is the stabilization in Japan-China relations, following Fumio Kishida's visit to Beijing. The Mitsubishi data falsification scandal dominated the economic issues. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (3/2016). March saw a deterioration in relations between Japan and China and several important security developments in the Asia-Pacific region. From the economic events, it is worth noting Prime Minister Abe's statements on raising VAT and further promoting nuclear power.  Enjoy reading! Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (2/2016). In February, the Japanese authorities joined the TPP agreement, attempted to reach an agreement with Russia and established stronger contacts with Australia. From events in Central Europe, we noted Sumitomo Riko's investment in Sosnowiec. We invite you to read it! Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (1/2016). In January, the Abe government sought to take diplomatic action toward Russia, preparations for the G7 summit, and began its term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. From events concerning Central Europe, we note the visit of Deputy Minister of Development R. Domagalski to Japan. We invite you to read! Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Japan Monitor (12/2015). Here you will find the most important news from Japan with commentary. In December, it was primarily Prime Minister Abe's visit to India and the issue of resolving the historical problem of "comfort women" in relations with South Korea. In relations with the CEE, important were the meetings of the militaries devoted to security issues and in relations with the EU the problem of liberalization of the energy market. We invite you to read more! For the entire December issue with commentary click here.