What's happened
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departs for Malaysia to attend ASEAN and APEC summits, plans to meet US President Trump, and emphasizes promoting the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' policy amid regional tensions and diplomatic sensitivities. She also refrains from visiting Yasukuni Shrine during the autumn festival to avoid diplomatic fallout.
What's behind the headline?
Takaichi's diplomatic strategy will likely shape Japan's regional posture. Her decision to skip the Yasukuni Shrine visit signals a pragmatic shift aimed at balancing domestic conservative support with diplomatic sensitivities. Her upcoming meetings with Trump and regional leaders will test her ability to navigate complex alliances and regional tensions. The emphasis on the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' underscores Japan's intent to counterbalance China's influence, but her hawkish stance on issues like Taiwan and historical visits could complicate relations with neighboring countries. Her success depends on her capacity to maintain strong US ties while managing regional diplomacy carefully. The political support she secures will determine her ability to implement her policies amid domestic opposition and regional pressures.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Takaichi plans to meet President Trump and attend ASEAN and APEC summits, emphasizing her diplomatic priorities and regional strategy. South China Morning Post highlights her hawkish positions, support for Taiwan, and her cautious approach to Yasukuni Shrine visits, reflecting her balancing act between domestic politics and regional diplomacy. Bloomberg notes her decision to forgo the shrine visit during the autumn festival, signaling a pragmatic shift to avoid diplomatic fallout, contrasting with her previous frequent visits. These sources collectively portray a leader navigating complex regional and international relationships, balancing conservative domestic support with diplomatic pragmatism.
How we got here
Takaichi's rise to leadership follows a three-month political vacuum after the LDP's July election loss. Her diplomatic focus includes strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance, promoting the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' initiative, and managing regional relations with China and South Korea. Her stance on Yasukuni Shrine and her support for Taiwan reflect her conservative, hawkish positions, which influence Japan's regional diplomacy.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is Japan's new leader avoiding Yasukuni Shrine visits?
Japan's recent political developments have brought attention to the country's diplomatic stance, especially regarding visits to Yasukuni Shrine. The new Prime Minister, Takaichi, is choosing to avoid visiting the shrine during the autumn festival to prevent tensions with neighboring countries like China and South Korea. This decision raises questions about Japan's regional diplomacy, domestic political challenges, and the future of its international relations. Below, we explore the key reasons behind this move and what it means for Japan's diplomatic strategy.
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What Does Japan's New Leadership Mean for Regional Diplomacy?
Japan's recent political shifts and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's diplomatic moves are shaping the future of regional politics. From her focus on the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' to her cautious approach to traditional symbols like Yasukuni Shrine, these actions signal a nuanced strategy in Japan's foreign policy. Curious about how these developments impact Japan's relations with neighboring countries and the US? Below are key questions and answers to help you understand the evolving landscape of Japan's diplomacy.
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Sanae Takaichi is a conservative Japanese politician.
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Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It was founded by Emperor Meiji in June 1869 and commemorates those who died in service of Japan from the Boshin War of 1868–1869 through the First Indochina War of 1946–1954.
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Tomiichi Murayama is a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1994 to 1996. He led the Japanese Socialist Party, and was responsible for changing its name to the Social Democratic Party of Japan in 1996.
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The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, frequently abbreviated to LDP or Jimintō, is a conservative political party in Japan.
The LDP has almost continuously been in power since its foundation in 1955—a period called the 1955 System—with the exception