Yuko Nakano

Associate Director, U.S.-Japan Strategic Leadership Program and Fellow, Japan Chair
Yuko Nakano

Yuko Nakano is an associate director of the U.S.-Japan Strategic Leadership Program and a fellow of Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research focuses on U.S.-Japan relations and legislative affairs. Until the fall of 2005, she worked in the CSIS Office of the Director of Studies, where she assisted the senior vice president and director of studies with projects on Asian security and launched the U.S.-Japan Strategic Leadership Program which brings together outside experts with Japanese Diet members for closed strategic discussions on current issues facing the U.S.-Japan alliance. Prior to joining CSIS, she was an adjunct associate producer with NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation’s Washington, D.C. bureau. She also worked with a nongovernmental organization in Macedonia and Kosovo during the summer of 1999, where she was responsible for peacebuilding projects as a regional community service coordinator. She holds a B.A. in law from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, and an M.A. in international relations and international economics, with a concentration in strategic studies, from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

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A New Normal?: Navigating Japan’s Shifting Political Currents

As Japan faces a turbulent political landscape, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru navigates the challenges of leading a minority government. Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair analyzes election results and potential scenarios shaping the nation’s political future. 

Commentary by Yuko Nakano — December 12, 2024

Japan’s Lower House Election: An Aura of Unpredictability

On October 27, Japan held a general election in which the ruling coalition lost its majority for the first time in 15 years. Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair analyze the outcome and the path forward for Japan’s political future.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano — October 28, 2024

Ishiba Shigeru: Japan’s New Leader

On September 27, Japan’s ruling party elected Ishiba Shigeru as its new leader and next prime minister. Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair summarize the campaign, Ishiba’s priorities, and the potential implications for U.S.-Japan relations. 

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano — September 27, 2024

Kishida Steps Aside

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan announced on August 14 that he will not seek reelection as leader of the ruling party, effectively ending his tenure as prime minister. The CSIS Japan Chair addresses his legacy and next steps in a period of political transition.

Critical Questions by Christopher B. Johnstone, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Yuko Nakano — August 16, 2024

Audio Briefs

Kishida Steps Aside

An audio version of “Kishida Steps Aside,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Christopher B. Johnstone, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Yuko Nakano. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Christopher B. Johnstone, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Yuko Nakano — August 16, 2024

Audio Briefs

Japan’s Leadership Role on Ukraine

The Japan-Ukraine Reconstruction Conference highlights Japan’s commitment in supporting Ukraine in a context of robust foreign policy strategy. This commentary explores Japan’s multifaceted approach and its emergence as a central figure in promoting global stability.

Commentary by Yuko Nakano — February 22, 2024

Kishida in Control? Trend Lines in Japanese Politics

As Prime Minister Kishida reaches his two-year mark in office, he stands at a pivotal juncture amid ongoing snap election speculation. To assess his leadership strength as he gears up for reelection, this commentary looks at key challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

Commentary by Yuko Nakano — October 3, 2023

A Snapshot of Japan’s 2023 Political Landscape

Prime Minister Kishida’s diplomatic engagements continue as he prepares to host the G7 Summit next month, but he also has several challenges to address at home. Here are three key developments that will shape Japan's political climate in the coming months.

Commentary by Yuko Nakano — April 17, 2023

Indo-Pacific Forecast 2023

What is the outlook for U.S.-China relations? Which of the U.S. alliance networks in the Indo-Pacific is most promising? Will IPEF thrive? Join CSIS experts to explore these and other questions during our annual preview of political, security, and economic developments.

Event — January 12, 2023