Robert Ward hosts Professor Takahara Akio, Emeritus Professor of The University of Tokyo, Dr Elizabeth Wishnick, Senior Research Scientist at the Centre for Naval Analyses (CNA) and Dr Catherine Jones, a Lecturer at the University of St Andrews, to explore Japan’s challenges amid growing cooperation between Russia and China.

 Robert, Akio, Elizabeth and Catherine discuss:  

• The recent development of the Russia-China strategic partnership in the Ukraine war
• The limitations of the Sino-Russian relationship and the potential overlap of their interests
• Japan’s security, economy and energy challenges amid growing Sino-Russian aligment

The following books are recommended by our guests to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:  

• Takahara Akio and et al., Japan–China Relations in the Modern Era, (Abingdon: Routledge, 2017), 250pp.
• Takahara Akio and et al., Nicchū kankei 2001-2022 [Japan-China Relations 2001-2022], (Tokyo: The University of Tokyo Press, 2023), 432pp.
• Charles E. Ziegler, Russia in the Pacific: The Quest for Great Power Recognition, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024), 296pp.
• Gaye Christoffersen, Russia in the Indo-Pacific: New Approaches to Russian Foreign Policy, (Abingdon: Routledge, 2022), 298pp.
• Endo Shusaku, Chinmoku [Silence], (Tokyo: Shinchosha, 1981), 320pp.
• Endo Shusaku, The Samurai, (Tokyo: Shinchosha, 1986), 520pp.

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on your podcast platform of choice. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at japanchair@iiss.org. 

Date recorded: 17 February 2025  

Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Ward hosts Professor Suzuki Kazuto, Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, and Dr Elli-Katharina Pohlkamp, Director at Agora Strategy Group, to explore Japan’s economic security policy.

Robert, Professor Suzuki and Dr Pohlkamp discuss:

• Recent developments in Japan’s economic security strategy
• The European perspective on Japan’s economic security policy
• Key differences between Japan and Europe’s economic security approaches
• The future of Japan-China economic relations

The following books are recommended by our guests to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:

• Aoyama Michiko, What You Are Looking for Is in the Library, (New York: Doubleday, 2023), 256pp.
• Okamoto Yukio, Japan and the United States: The Journey of a Defeated Nation - A Diplomat’s Memoir by Yukio Okamoto, (Vermont: Tuttle Publishing), 388pp.

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on your podcast platform of choice. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at japanchair@iiss.org.

Date recorded: 30 January 2025

Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Ward hosts Dr Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and Dr Jeffrey Hornung, the Japan Lead for the RAND National Security Research Division.

Robert, Sheila and Jeffrey discuss:  

• Japan’s strategic landscape under Trump 2.0, including insights for PM Ishiba from Abe’s successful approach
• Japan’s defence policy challenges under Trump 2.0, including potential US demands for increased financial contributions to the security alliance.
• The future of minilateral security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific under Trump 2.0, notably QUAD and AUKUS

The following books are recommended by our guests to gain a clearer picture of the topics discussed:  

• Abe Shinzo, Abe Shinzo Kaiko Roku [Abe Shinzo Memoir] (Tokyo: Chuokoron-Shinsha, Inc., 2023), 480pp.
• Funabashi Yoichi, Shukumei no Ko Volume 1: Abe Shinzou Seiken Kuronikuru [Destiny Child on Abe Shinzo Administration Chronicles Volume 1] (Tokyo: Bungeishunju Ltd., 2024), 560pp.
• Funabashi Yoichi, Shukumei no Ko Volume 2: Abe Shinzou Seiken Kuronikuru [Destiny Child on Abe Shinzo Administration Chronicles Volume 2] (Tokyo: Bungeishunju Ltd., 2024), 640pp.
• John W Dower, Embracing Defeat – Japan in the Wake of World War II, (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000), 688pp.
• Nakae Chomin, A Discourse by Three Drunkards on Government, (Tokyo: Weatherhill Inc., 1992), 144pp.

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on your podcast platform of choice. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at japanchair@iiss.org. 

Date recorded: 4 December 2024  

Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.