Japan Memo

In the first episode of Japan Memo season 3, Yuka Koshino, Mariko Togashi and Robert Ward host Professor Kanehara Nobukatsu, Professor at the Faculty of Law at Doshisha University, senior advisor at The Asia Group in Washington DC, and former Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo from 2012 to 2019.Yuka, Mariko, Robert and Kanehara-sensei unpack Japan’s three historic new national-security documents, offer their insights on the significance and details of these documents, analyse the impacts of the ensuing shift in Japanese security and defence policy, and delve into the regional and international perspectives of the three new strategies. Topics discussed include:A macro-scale overview of the key strategy shifts in the documentsJapan’s ability to develop counterstrike capabilities and their implications for deterrence and war-fighting capabilitiesThe trajectory of Japan’s civil-military divideHow to effectively integrate economic security into a broader national defence strategyPerspectives from strategic competitors, allies and like-minded countriesThe following literature is recommended by our guest to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:‘君たち、中国に勝てるのか’/ 岩田清文, 尾上定正, 武居智久, 兼原信克 (‘Can you win against China’ by Kiyofumi Iwata, Oue Sadamasa, Tomohisa Takei and Kanehara Nobukatsu)‘国家安全保障戦略’ (‘National Security Strategy of Japan’ 2022)‘国家防衛戦略’ (‘National Defence Strategy of Japan’ 2022)‘防衛力整備計画’ (‘Defence Programme Guidelines’ 2022)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: 9 January 2023Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Satoru Mori, Professor at Keio University in Tokyo and a Senior Fellow at the Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI) and Zack Cooper, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).Robert, Yuka, Satoru and Zack provide US and Japanese perspectives on Taiwan contingency scenarios; their analyses on Taiwan contingency wargames conducted in the US and Japan between 2021-2022; and offer assessments on what the US and Japan can and should do to better prepare for a contingency scenario in peacetime. Topics discussed include:The outcomes of the wargames conducted between 2021-2022The challenges and limitations for the US, Japan and their alliance in a Taiwan contingencyHow Japan’s three new strategic documents will consider a Taiwan contingencyThe peacetime contingency preparations that should be undertaken by the US, Japan, and their allianceThe following literature is recommended by our guests to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:‘Self-respect and Independence of Mind: The Challenge of Yukichi Fukuzawa’ by Shinichi Kitaoka (translated by James M. Vardaman)‘Japan Prepares for Total War’ by Michael Beinart 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: 25 November 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s episode of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino is joined by Martijn Rasser, Senior Fellow and Director of the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for New American Security, Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation, and Mariko Togashi, Matsumoto-Samata Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy at the IISS.Yuka, Martijn, Meia and Mariko provide US, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese and European perspectives on their respective geoeconomic landscape and economic security policy; their views towards and preparations for a Taiwan contingency in the context of economic security; and offer their assessment of potential national and multilateral responses to such a contingency.Topics discussed include:The economic security policies of the US, China, Taiwan and JapanUS, Chinese, and Japanese views on the impact of a Taiwan contingency on economic securityThe global and regional semiconductor landscape and its impact on reactions to tensions in the Taiwan StraitA potential sanctions regime against China in a case of Taiwan contingency The following literature is recommended by our guests to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:‘Rich Nation, Strong Army’ by Richard J. Samuels‘Middle Kingdom and Empire of the Rising Sun: Sino-Japanese Relations, Past and Present’ by June Teufel Dreyer‘China and Japan: Facing History’ by Ezra Vogel‘自衛隊最高幹部が語る台湾有事’ /岩田 清文 ,武居 智久, 尾上 定正, 兼原 信克 (‘JSDF Top Executives Talk About Taiwan Contingency’ by Iwata Kiyofumi, Takei Tomohisa, Oue Sadamasa and Kanehara Nobukatsu)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: 10 November 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino and Mariko Togashi host Matsubara Mihoko, chief cybersecurity strategist at NTT Corporation and research associate for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict at the IISS.Yuka, Mariko and Mihoko-san analyse Japan’s approaches to cybersecurity, notably following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, offer perspectives on Japan’s cyber capabilities and their impact on national security, and give a rundown of the state of cybersecurity at Japan’s commercial level. Topics discussed include:Hybrid warfare in Ukraine and its impact on Japan’s cyber policiesJapan’s views on China’s increasing technological and cyber capabilities Japan’s cyber capabilities and its strengths and weaknessesIncorporating cyber into the upcoming defence document revisionsHow cybersecurity fits into Japan’s economic security framework The following literature is recommended by our guest to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:“サイバーセキュリティ 組織を脅威から守る戦略・人材・インテリジェンス”, 松原 実穂子 (“Cybersecurity to Protect the Way of Our Digital Life” by Matsubara Mihoko) 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: 4 October 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Professor Takahara Akio, Director of the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, Professor of Contemporary Chinese Politics at the University of Tokyo, Distinguished Research Fellow at the Japan Forum on International Relations, Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs and Senior Researcher at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research.Robert, Yuka, and Takahara-sensei provide a historical overview of the Japan-China diplomatic relationship since its normalisation, analyse the current state of bilateral relations between the two and offer their perspectives on the future of Sino-Japanese ties going forward. Topics discussed include:The key turning points in the last five decadesJapan and China’s public and government level perceptions of each otherPotential channels for cooperation between the neighbouring statesFormer Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s legacy in Japan-China relationsHow Japan effectively manages its inherently contradictory relationship with China The following literature is recommended by our guest to gain a clearer picture of Japan and Japanese society today:Our guest recommends listeners browse through major Japanese newspapers over the course of a week to gain a better sense of the pulse of contemporary Japanese politics and society 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: 31 August 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 relationshipPractical avenues of cooperation for Japan and NATO to engage inThe 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 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Mariko Togashi are joined by Dr Maria Shagina, the IISS Diamond-Brown Research Fellow for Economic Sanctions, Standards and Strategy. Maria brings her extensive knowledge on international sanctions, economic statecraft, and energy policies to discuss Japan’s sanctions on Russia in response to its aggressions in Ukraine and understand the broader dynamics within Asia. Topics discussed include: President Zelenskyy’s speech at the 2022 Shangri-La Dialogue. Drivers that compelled Japan to impose unprecedently swift and tough sanctions. Value added by Japan’s participation in the international sanctions' regime.The broader regional implications of the sanctions, in particular, Sino-Russia relations.  Balancing effective sanctions with energy security, the challenges of phasing out Russian energy and alternative partners for Japan. The following literature is recommended by our guests for a deeper understanding of the topics discussed: ‘Japan’s Effectiveness as a Geo-Economic Actor: Navigating Great-Power Competition’ by Yuka Koshino and Robert WardWe hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 28 June 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Japan Memo, directly preceding the 2022 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Kotani Tetsuo, professor of global studies at Meikai University and senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), and Dr Ueki Chikako Kawakatsu, professor of international relations at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies.Robert, Yuka, Kotani-sensei and Ueki-sensei share their insights on the war in Ukraine’s impact on Asia’s existing security dynamics, Japan and its neighbours’ perceptions of and responses to these shifting dynamics, and invigorated debates in Tokyo surrounding Japan’s defence budget and capabilities. Topics discussed include:The effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Asia’s security The Kishida administration’s response to the crisis at home and with partnersThe Shangri-La Dialogue’s potential to foster critical discussions on Indo-Pacific securityDomestic debates surrounding Japan’s defence budget, capabilities and revisions to its NSSThe following literature is recommended by our guests for a deeper understanding of the topics discussed:‘安全保障を問いなおす : 「九条-安保体制」を越えて’ / 添谷芳秀著  (‘Rethinking Security: Going beyond the “Article 9 Alliance Regime”’ by Yoshihide Soeya)‘East Asian Strategic Review’ by the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)‘戦後日本の安全保障―日米同盟、憲法9条からNSCまで’ / 千々和 泰明 (‘Post-war Japan’s Security: The US-Japan alliance, from Article 9 to the NSC’ by Chijiwa Yasuaki)‘Strategic Annual Report’ by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)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: 26 May 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s episode of Japan Memo, recorded in-person at Arundel House in London, Robert Ward and Mariko Togashi, IISS Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy, are joined by Terazawa Tatsuya, Chairman and CEO of The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).Robert, Mariko and Terazawa-san offer insights into Japan’s past, present and future energy policies, how they affect Japan’s national security, and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the stability of global and Japanese energy security. Topics discussed include:• The key vulnerabilities in Japan and the world’s energy mix exposed by the war in Ukraine• Opportunities and issues surrounding nuclear and renewable energy in Japan• How Japan can integrate its energy and security policies to achieve its geo-political goals• The prospects for alternative energies and the benefits of energy partnerships The following literature is recommended by our guest for a deeper understanding of the topics discussed:- ‘Bushido Capitalism: The code to redefine business for a sustainable future’ by Sakurada KengoWe hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 4 May 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino and Robert Ward are joined by Dr Valérie Niquet, senior research fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) in Paris and the Japanese Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) in Tokyo.Robert, Yuka and Valérie discuss the causes and trends in the recent Franco-Japanese rapprochement, and the implications of increasing overlap in France and Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategies and international outlooks. Topics discussed include:The causes for a convergence of French and Japanese Indo-Pacific and international strategiesFranco-Japanese approaches to minilateralism and multilateralism in the regionPriority areas of cooperation in maritime security, advanced technology and AfricaThe impact of the war in Ukraine on France – Japan and EU – Japan tiesThe following literature is recommended by our guest for a deeper understanding of the topics discussed:‘Line of Advantage: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzō’ by Dr Michael J. Green‘Le Japon en 100 questions : Un modèle en déclin ?’ (‘Japan in 100 questions: a model in decline?’) by Dr Valérie NiquetWe hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 16 March 2022Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.