Sheila A. Smith, a leading expert on Japanese politics, says the mood in Japan just ahead of parliamentary elections is “disgruntlement” with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan’s nuclear power plant accident, triggered by an earthquake, is a reminder of the trouble in building nuclear power plants near fault lines.

Wrangling over international quotas for bluefin tuna highlights the broader problem of an overall decline in wild fish stocks.

The Bank of Japan’s shifting approach toward interest rates could have broader effects on Japan ’s economy—and the world’s.

Kenneth Pyle, G. John Ikenberry, and Michael Green discuss Japan’s role in the Asia’s shifting balance of power.  

Listen to experts reflect on Japan's foreign policy in recent decades and discuss its changing position in the world today.

Weeks after a warm visit with Chinese leader Wen Jiabao, the Japanese premier headed to Washington, where an alliance shows signs of strain.

From 1991 to 1992, the Japanese government conducted research about human rights violations in Japan regarding sex slaves (known as "comfort women"); the study established the Asian Women's Fund, which worked in Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia to redress victims. This policy details Japan's actions to address human rights issues and learn from history.

Kent Calder and Michael Green discuss Japan's “shift to proactive diplomacy” and what it means for U.S. foreign policy.

Japan's recent denial of its historic role in the coercion of “comfort women” raises questions about official apologies.

Rising Japanese interest rates had a role in Asia's recent market turmoil. Now some analysts are predicting the demise of an investment strategy known as the carry trade.

Shinzo Abe has had a tough act to follow since succeeding the charismatic Junichiro Koizumi as Japan's prime minister. Abe has already shown himself to be adept in the field of foreign affairs, and Tokyo's influence is likely to increase with him at the helm. But it remains uncertain whether he can keep the momentum going on the reforms needed to stave off economic stagnation.

This report outlines the findings of a bipartisan panel of Asia specialists co-chaired by Richard L. Armitage and Joseph Nye. The report highlights major trends in Asia and provides the panel's comprehensive analysis with security and economic policy recommendations.

This round of talks resulted in North Korea's agreement to begin nuclear disarmament in exchange for fuel assistance. It also calls for normalization of relations between North Korea and the U.S. and Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi plans another visit to a notorious shrine, even after revelations about why imperial visits stopped almost thirty years ago. Experts say the issue is heating up tensions with China and South Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visits the United States for the last time as he prepares to step down after six years in office. The visit, intended to celebrate Tokyo's close relationship with Washington, comes as North Korea's threat to launch a long-range ballistic missile raise concerns across the region.