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July 11, 2025
 

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EDITORIALS
COMMENTARY
A Phoenix quantum computer made by Atom Computing, in Berkeley, California. Japan is advancing in quantum research but lags in commercialization. To compete globally, it must shift from a research-focused approach to one driven by industry, investment and real-world applications.
COMMENTARY / Japan / Geoeconomic Briefing
Japan needs to take the quantum-technology leap
By Wakana Asano
Policymakers must focus on specific sectors, test new ideas through public-private partnerships and present practical examples.
U.S. F-35 stealth fighters fly side by side with South Korean F-35s as part of a bilateral exercise over the Yellow Sea in July 2022. The U.S. Air Force is grappling with whether to prioritize air superiority or air denial in response to lessons from Ukraine and the growing threat from China.  
COMMENTARY / World / Geoeconomic Briefing
Air superiority vs. air denial: Redefining U.S. airpower strategy
By Sadamasa Oue
The strategic debate is centering on whether to prioritize offensive or defensive airpower. The decision will determine how U.S. air resources are allocated.
The European Parliament's censure vote against Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlights backlash over her rightward shift and, if passed, could force a choice between centrists and nationalists.
COMMENTARY / World
Ursula Von der Leyen faces a moment of truth
By Alberto Alemanno
Von der Leyen’s ongoing political ambiguity has become a strategic liability at a time when Europe’s allies need clarity.

EDITORIALS

Despite trade pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has held firm, constrained by upcoming elections, mistrust of U.S. intentions and growing public opposition to concessions.
As trade deadline approaches, Japan must draw lines
Most worrisome now is a growing sense among the Japanese public that the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner.
EDITORIALS
Airstrikes won’t end Iran’s nuclear ambitions — diplomacy might
EDITORIALS
Chasing peace with Iran as the Middle East smolders
EDITORIALS
A belligerent China hones its tools of intimidation
EDITORIALS
A return to normalcy in South Korea, but hard work lies ahead

COMMENTARY

China’s economy shows signs of a possible recovery despite structural challenges and imperfect GDP data, but its future growth and global impact hinge on trade relations with the U.S. and how economic progress is measured.
World
Taking GDP out of the China equation
By Daniel Moss
There are problems with looking at China’s vitality through the GDP lens — the data is widely perceived to be finessed by officials
World
Online dissent in China doesn’t mean Xi is on his way out
By Yujing Shentu
Japan / Geoeconomic Briefing
Japan needs to take the quantum-technology leap
By Wakana Asano
World / Geoeconomic Briefing
Air superiority vs. air denial: Redefining U.S. airpower strategy
By Sadamasa Oue
World
Michelle Obama is quitting politics. Or is she?
By Nia-Malika Henderson
World
Ursula Von der Leyen faces a moment of truth
By Alberto Alemanno
Japan
Donald Trump’s ‘copy-and-paste’ tariffs will no doubt rile ‘Mr. Japan’
By Gearoid Reidy
Japan
EU-CPTPP talks highlight shared goals and stubborn obstacles
By Brad Glosserman
World / Geoeconomic Briefing
Unchecked and unbalanced: The future of U.S. economic policymaking
By Paul Nadeau
Read more Opinion stories
NGOs condemn rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Upper House vote
Sanseito head Sohei Kamiya holds a board that reads "Japanese First" in Tokyo on July 2. In a joint statement on Tuesday, eight human rights nongovernmental organizations described the far-right party's stance as "hate speech."
Japan and Canada ink key intel-sharing deal
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand shakes hands with Japan's top diplomat, Takeshi Iwaya, at the end of a signing ceremony for an information security agreement, after bilateral talks in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Foreign drivers in Japan to face tougher license conversion rules from October
According to the National Police Agency, there were 75,905 people who converted their foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one in 2024, up from 48,885 in 2019.
Tokyo hit by torrential rainfall at rush hour
People line up at Shibuya Station in Tokyo as they try to avoid the heavy rain on Thursday.
Japan stands its ground after Trump letter delivers 25% U.S. tariff shock
U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at Morristown Airport, New Jersey, on Sunday. Trump on Monday sent letters to 12 countries notifying them of new "reciprocal" tariff rates effective Aug. 1.
NGOs condemn rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Upper House vote
Sanseito head Sohei Kamiya holds a board that reads "Japanese First" in Tokyo on July 2. In a joint statement on Tuesday, eight human rights nongovernmental organizations described the far-right party's stance as "hate speech."
Japanese dancers find a home abroad at Houston Ballet
“Giselle” lead Yuriko Kajiya (center), performing with Connor Walsh as Albrecht, is one of six Japanese dancers at Houston Ballet.
From the Abes to the Ohtanis: How siblings shape athletic development
Olympic judoka Uta Abe (second from left) and Hifumi Abe (second from right) with their brother Yuichiro (center) and their parents. “I’m always consciously trying to be a good older brother,” Yuichiro said.
Foreign nationals' presence in Japan emerges as key issue in Upper House poll
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivers a campaign speech next to a Liberal Democratic Party candidate for the Upper House (top center left) in Yokohama on Sunday.
Scams involving police impersonation surge
A video by the National Police Agency warns about fake scams.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji
By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Looking ahead to Yokohama’s Green × Expo 2027
Looking ahead to Yokohama’s Green × Expo 2027

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