Commentary / Japan Dec 10, 2019
by Kazuto Suzuki
Regional tensions require Tokyo to make a delicate compromise.
National / Politics Dec 9, 2019
Abe confirms visit to Japan by Iran's Rouhani under discussion
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said a visit by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is being considered, the first official confirmation that a trip by him could take place. Abe did not say when Rouhani would make the trip, though diplomatic sources said earlier that sometime around ...
National / Politics Dec 9, 2019
U.S. signals approval for Tokyo visit by Iran's Rouhani amid nuclear impasse
The United States has shown approval toward Japan's plan to have Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visit the country, according to diplomatic sources, as Tehran is seeking to break a deadlock over a nuclear deal with world powers. Washington has also urged Tokyo to share the ...
National / Politics Dec 6, 2019
Arrangements underway for Iran's Rouhani to visit Japan this month
Arrangements are underway for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to visit Japan later this month for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japanese government sources said Thursday. The Abe-Rouhani meeting is likely to take place on Dec. 21 or 22, according to the sources. Abe is ...
National / Politics Oct 1, 2019
Defense Minister Taro Kono conveys concerns to Iranian counterpart over rising tensions
Defense Minister Taro Kono spoke by phone Tuesday with his Iranian counterpart, Amir Hatami, conveying to him Japan's concerns over rising tensions in the Middle East. "80 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come through the Strait of Hormuz. The stability of the region is ...
National / Politics Sep 25, 2019
At U.N., Abe denounces Saudi oil attacks, but refrains from singling out Iran
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described the attacks on Saudi oil facilities as a crime before the U.N. General Assembly, while refraining from naming Iran as responsible.
National / Politics Sep 25, 2019
Abe expresses 'strong concern' over Middle East tensions and urges constructive role for Iran
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani that Japan expects Iran to play a constructive role in stabilizing the Middle East, in the wake of attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities. Abe also urged Iran to fulfill its responsibility as a ...
National / Politics Sep 24, 2019
Iran assures Japan of efforts to avoid war amid tensions in Middle East
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday that Tehran will seek to avoid war amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, while expressing appreciation for Tokyo's diplomatic outreach. Meeting Zarif for the first time since becoming foreign minister ...
National / Politics Sep 15, 2019
Japan may offer medical aid to Tehran when Abe meets Iranian president in New York
Japan is considering offering medical aid to Iran when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, diplomatic sources said Sunday. Abe is expected to offer assistance such as training for ...
Asia Pacific / Politics | ANALYSIS Sep 11, 2019
Trump clips hawkish adviser Bolton's wings in firing expected to reverberate in Tokyo and Pyongyang
by Jesse Johnson
The U.S. president, citing strong policy disagreements, fires his national security adviser John Bolton — the White House’s third national security chief in less than three years.
National / Politics Sep 3, 2019
Japan won't join U.S.-led maritime coalition but may send MSDF to gulf separately, report claims
Japan will not join a U.S.-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported Tuesday. Though the United States is Japan's most important ally, Tokyo has fostered economic ties ...
National / Politics Aug 29, 2019
Iran's Zarif expresses opposition to U.S coalition directly to Japan
Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed opposition to a U.S coalition scheme to patrol the Strait of Hormuz when he met Wednesday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a diplomatic source said. The comment can be interpreted as a strong message toward Japan not to ...