April 4, 2013 marked 100 days since Abe Shinzō’s return to office. With many people hoping that the prime minister’s “Abenomics” policies will succeed in lifting the country out of its deflationary spiral, we look back at the government’s first 100 days in office and consider some of the issues for the years ahead.

Behind South Korea’s Emotional Response to Abenomics
What the TPP Process Means to Japan
Abenomics: Changing the National Mindset

Twenty years have passed since the Diet resolution to promote decentralization reform. In the following series of articles, we look at how the situation has evolved over this period and analyse the decentralization issues that the new Abe administration will face over the coming years.

The Winding Road to Decentralization
What Type of Decentralization Best Suits Japan?
Decentralization: Who Is It For?

Two years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. In the following articles, we hear the thoughts of the bereaved families, analyze the current situation, and consider how recovery efforts will take shape in the years to come.

Talking with the Dead Through Invisible Grief
A Late Spring in Tōhoku (Part II)
A Late Spring in Tōhoku (Part I)
Keeping Taylor Anderson’s Dream Alive and Well

The December 2012 general election brought to power the Liberal Democratic Party and their coalition partners New Kōmeitō. How will Japan’s politics change? What can we expect from Abe Shinzō’s second term as president? We look at these issues and more in the following series.

Abe’s Agenda on Three Fronts

Shale gas and shale oil are revolutionizing the way the world gets its energy. How should Japan respond to the economic and geopolitical impact of this energy revolution?

Japanese Energy Strategy in the Shale-Gas Era
A US Strategist Speaks on Japan’s Leadership and Energy Policy Needs
Japan and the Geopolitics of the Shale Revolution