Japan Chair

The mission of the CSIS Japan Chair is to be the leading source of analytic insight and policy-relevant research on Japan, the U.S.-Japan alliance, and Japan’s leadership on the global stage

About Us
 

The Japan Chair was established to provide a venue in Washington, DC for the study of U.S.-Japan relations and to increase mutual understanding. As Japan's role in Asian and global affairs continues to grow, the Japan Chair is charting a strategic agenda for the U.S.-Japan relationship. The Japan Chair is a unique platform to raise awareness of U.S.-Japan policy issues in a bilateral, regional and global context.

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Photo: Bryant Wong via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Photo: Bryant Wong via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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Photo: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

Photo: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

Japan Poised for Early General Election

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s plan to dissolve the lower house of the Japanese parliament could give her party a mandate for strong leadership—or it could exacerbate current governance challenges.

Critical Questions by Kristi Govella and Yuko Nakano — January 14, 2026

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Audio Briefs

Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to Washington

An audio version of “Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to Washington,” a new commentary by CSIS's Nicholas Szechenyi. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Nicholas Szechenyi — February 5, 2025

Audio Briefs

Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to Washington

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan will visit with President Trump on February 7 to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance for both countries. Nicholas Szechenyi previews the agenda and the potential implications for international relations in Asia.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi — February 4, 2025

Cooperative Defense Acquisitions Strengthen U.S.-Japan Alliance

Japan has taken major steps toward increased defense capabilities and closer cooperation with the United States and other countries. CSIS Japan Chair Adjunct Fellow Gregg Rubinstein identifies the challenges and opportunities in advancing U.S.-Japan armaments cooperation.

Commentary by Gregg Rubinstein — January 30, 2025

Audio Briefs

Cooperative Defense Acquisitions Strengthen U.S.-Japan Alliance

An audio version of “Cooperative Defense Acquisitions Strengthen U.S.-Japan Alliance,” a new commentary by CSIS's Gregg Rubinstein. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Gregg Rubinstein — January 30, 2025

Audio Briefs

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

Transforming Japan’s Bureaucratic System: Opportunity Amidst Crisis

The bureaucracy in Japan provides important infrastructure for policymaking but is losing its appeal. CSIS Japan Chair visiting fellows Yohei Kobayashi and Makoto Tsujiguchi suggest ways to integrate private sector expertise and revitalize Japan’s civil service.

Commentary by Yohei Kobayashi and Makoto Tsujiguchi — December 5, 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