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 Michael MacArthur Bosack

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Michael MacArthur Bosack
For Michael MacArthur Bosack's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 20, 2020
Japan's need for a clear U.S. commitment over the Senkakus
Since 2010, Washington has stated and reiterated its position that the Senkakus fall under U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty obligations.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 1, 2020
Suga needs new tack on the North Korea abductee issue
With the abduction issue continuing to inform the Suga administration's North Korea policy, the government must adjust its approach if it hopes for progress.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 28, 2020
A Liberal Democratic party heavyweight toppled?
Ishiba's decision to step down as leader of his faction has left many wondering what it may portend in terms of LDP factional politics and his future political prospects.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 22, 2020
Five takeaways from the Australia-Japan defense ministers' joint statement
For Japan, it provides a standard for which other potential security partners like the U.K., Canada and the Philippines can follow.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 15, 2020
Suga’s Senkaku Islands test
Neither side knows how the other will respond, though China currently has the upper hand given that it's just another move in its long-held strategy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 14, 2020
Understanding Japan’s future security relationships
Could the world be seeing the underpinnings of a new NATO-like alliance in Asia with the Quad? What would Japan's role even be in such a security arrangement?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 17, 2020
How will Japan's new prime minister transition from lieutenant to leader?
For one thing, Yoshihide Suga will have to pay back his allies for their support with Cabinet and LDP leadership appointments, as well as potential policy concessions.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan / Commentary
Sep 16, 2020
Breaking down Suga's picks for his first Cabinet
With Yoshihide Suga formally appointed as prime minister on Wednesday, all eyes will be watching to see how the newly minted leader will steer Japan.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 9, 2020
What to watch for in the LDP leadership race
With Yoshihide Suga's assured victory, we now have a clearer outlook of Japan's political landscape for the next twelve months.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 2, 2020
How a dark horse became the front-runner to become Japan’s next prime minister
In a normal world, Abe's chief lieutenant, Yoshihide Suga, wouldn't have had a chance — but the LDP's logic changed that.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 31, 2020
All you need to know about how Abe’s successor will be chosen
The choice is neither up to the Japanese people, nor is it something to be decided in the Diet. Instead, the decision rests solely within the LDP.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 29, 2020
Five points to make sense of post-Abe Japan
As questions swirl over what's next, here's a look at the core points underwriting the issue.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 20, 2020
Why Japan's opposition parties falter
Coalescing a viable opposition is not as simple as combining parties.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 14, 2020
Reflections on ‘Japan’s longest day,’ 75 years on
What happened in the lead-up to Japan's surrender reveals just how complex the situation was even at the end of the war.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 23, 2020
What to make of Japan's annual defense report
White papers can be important documents, but it is critical to know how and why.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 10, 2020
Five things to know about a possible snap election
Will the ruling coalition push to get the Lower House election out of the way sooner or later?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 3, 2020
Japanese defense: The trouble with 'strike' capabilities
Should the nation adopt policies and acquire equipment that would enable it to execute attacks onto foreign soil?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 25, 2020
The 2020 post-Abe leadership race
If the prime minister cannot last until the next party presidential election in September 2021, who is best postured to take over?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 23, 2020
Understanding the prime ministers' 'danger zone'
Japanese leaders have reason to worry when their approval ratings dip below 30 percent.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 12, 2020
Five key takeaways from the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement
The next step in the evolution of Japan's postwar security practice is nearly complete.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores