Japan and NATO’s converging strategic interests with Dr Tsuruoka Michito

In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Dr Tsuruoka Michito, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University, as well as Senior Associate Fellow at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) at the Brussels School of Governance, and Senior Fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research.

Robert, Yuka, and Tsuruoka-sensei unpack the background context of growing Japan-NATO relations, the 2022 Madrid Summit, the implications of deepening Japan-NATO engagement, and opportunities and roadblocks to increased Japan-NATO cooperation.

Topics discussed include:

• Former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s legacy for Japan-NATO relations
• The significance of Prime Minister Kishida’s participation in the 2022 Madrid Summit
• Japan and NATO’s expectations on the trajectory of their relationship
• Practical avenues of cooperation for Japan and NATO to engage in
• The role of the US in streamlining Japan-NATO cooperation

The following literature is recommended by our guest to gain a clearer picture of Japan and Japanese society today:

• Our guest recommends tabloid papers or weekly magazines such as “Shukan Bunchun” (週刊文春), “Shukan Shinchou” (週刊新潮), or sports and entertainment tabloids such as “Sankei Sports” (サンケイスポーツ)
• Alternatively, “Variety” TV programmes in the form of morning or evening shows also illuminate Japanese viewpoints on domestic or international issues.

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on the podcast platform of your choice.

Date of Recording: 19 July 2022

Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.

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