Danube Institute Podcast Can the Indo-Pacific be free and open? | Tomohiko Taniguchi on Danube Lectures
Nov 26, 2025
Tomohiko Taniguchi, a distinguished fellow at the Ludovika Public Diplomacy Hub and former advisor to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, discusses Japan's geopolitical challenges. He emphasizes the vital US-Japan alliance against regional threats, alongside Japan's response to China's rise. Taniguchi also explores the balance between traditional values and modern social changes, touching on Japan's immigration policies and the potential of stronger ties with India. He assesses Prime Minister Takaichi’s approach and the longstanding cultural ties between Japan and Hungary.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
US Alliance Is Japan's Security Cornerstone
- Japan depends on a strong US relationship because its immediate neighbors are hostile and nuclear-armed.
- Tomohiko Taniguchi says maintaining good rapport with whoever holds US presidency is vital for Japan's security.
Cultural Cohesion Over Rapid 'Woke' Change
- Taniguchi frames the cultural clash as 'common sense' versus 'woke' and notes Japan's corporate focus on DEI.
- He argues social unity and gradual change matter more than abrupt adoption of Western 'woke' trends.
Treat Immigration With Reciprocity Rules
- Review reciprocity in property and immigration rules so foreign visitors can't freely buy land if reciprocity isn't allowed.
- Sanae Takaichi established a committee to study immigration changes before proposing new legislation.