The need to quickly improve diplomatic, economic and security relations between Tokyo and Seoul are all too clear.

Japan continues to expect mothers to be the primary caregiver and educator within the family.

Expanding the definition of what it is to be Japanese and encouraging diversity will only further Japan's role as a country fully in tune with the needs of the 21st century.

Japan and the EU are making it clear the appetite for trade deals remains strong.

As Britain grapples with its economic future, a logical step would be deepening ties with Japan.

Tokyo needs to reassess its relations with the U.S. and its dependency on it for security.

Washington places too much emphasis on reducing the trade deficit and not enough on investing in future U.S. competitiveness.

Precisely because Tokyo is not directly involved with planning and executing a bilateral meeting, it is well-placed to focus more on the longer-term objectives of not only denuclearization, but also on political issues.

A much-touted bond with the U.S. president left Prime Minister Shinzo Abe largely empty-handed.