Business Feb 6, 2021
Japan ranked as seventh-biggest country for U.S. trade deficit in 2020
The U.S. deficit was down 19.9% from 2019, when Japan was the third-biggest deficit generator for Washington.
National / Politics Feb 2, 2021
Ex-Obama aide Rahm Emanuel eyed for U.S. envoy to Japan or China
U.S. President Joe Biden is considering nominating former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who also served as White House chief of staff for former President Barack Obama, as ambassador to Japan or China, NBC News reported Monday. Biden plans to give Emanuel, 61, a key diplomatic ...
National Feb 1, 2021
Mayor opposed to planned U.S. military drill site wins re-election
The return of Shunsuke Yaita to Nishinoomote, Kagoshima Prefecture, could upset government plans to allow Mage Island to be used for U.S. military plane takeoff and landing exercises.
National Jan 31, 2021
Japan proposes tentative one-year deal on cost-sharing for U.S. troops
With another round of negotiations set to take place this week, going forward Japan is looking to emphasize its contributions in new domains including outer space and cybersecurity.
National | FYI Jan 28, 2021
'Japan’s Marine Corps': The nation's first responders for remote island defense
by Eric Johnston
The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade was established in 2018 to respond to security situations that require faster mobilization of land, sea, and air forces.
National / Politics Jan 28, 2021
Biden stresses commitment to defend Japan in first call with Suga
New U.S. president strikes note of reassurance after Trump tumult, but his mention of the Senkaku Islands is likely to stir anger in Beijing.
National / Politics Jan 27, 2021
Motegi eyes U.S. visit in February to boost alliance amid China concerns
Japan is eager to coordinate with Blinken, who has said he will work with U.S. partners to address China and vowed to review the entire approach toward North Korea.
National Jan 27, 2021
Third time’s a charm? Japan gets another high-level U.S. commitment to defending Senkakus
by Jesse Johnson
New U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was the third high-level U.S. official in a week to reaffirm that the islets fall under the U.S.-Japan security treaty.
National Jan 25, 2021
GSDF and U.S. reached secret deal in 2015 to station amphibious unit in Okinawa
Although the plan has been suspended due to the impasse over the relocation of a U.S. air base in the prefecture, the GSDF hasn't given up on the idea, sources say.
National / Politics Jan 24, 2021
New U.S. defense chief confirms Senkakus fall under security treaty
by Jesse Johnson
Tokyo likely to be encouraged by new U.S. defense chief's apparent embrace of Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy."
Asia Pacific Jan 23, 2021
North Korea sees talks as way to advance nuclear program, top U.S. intel official says
Japanese officials say Tokyo does not approve of a phased approach to North Korea and will strengthen efforts to ask the U.S. to accept its position.