Sanae Takaichi made history as Japan’s 104th Prime Minister and the country’s first female leader. Her cabinet reflects a careful balance of party factions, loyal allies, and strategic partnerships, most notably with the reform-oriented Nippon Ishin ...

On 16 October 2025, GR Japan hosted a special International Policy Forum (IPF) session titled “The end of the LDP–Komeito era – What comes next for Japan’s politics.”The session explored the implications of the unprecedented breakup of Japan’s long-s...

Japan is approaching a historic moment as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elects Sanae Takaichi as its new leader. She is expected to become the country’s first female Prime Minister when the Diet convenes later this month.GR Japan's political ana...

The enactment of the Active Cyber Defense Act in May 2025 and the subsequent establishment of the National Cybersecurity Office (NCO) represent a historic turning point in Japan’s approach to cybersecurity. Together, these measures move Japan from a ...

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has entered a period of acute uncertainty following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation on 7 September, less than a year after he assumed office. His departure, triggered by mounting intraparty pressu...

The 2025 Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform (Honebuto) continues Japan’s commitment to fiscal discipline while introducing targeted measures to foster innovation. For the healthcare sector, the planned increase in social securi...

The ruling party, LDP, and its coalition party, Komeito,  have fallen short of the majority threshold even after accounting for uncontested seats. This result signals a significant political shift and public dissatisfaction potentially stemming from ...

With just days to go before Japan’s upcoming House of Councillors election on 20 July,  GR Japan will host a special edition of the International Policy Forum to explore what’s at stake for Prime Minister Ishiba, the ruling coalition, and Japan’s cha...

Tokyo’s recent Metropolitan Assembly election, held on 22 June, offers important insights into the current political mood in Japan. GR Japan explores the shifts in party performance, including changes in support for the LDP, Komeito, and rising parti...

Japan is once again grappling with a rice crisis — but this time, the challenges go far beyond short-term supply disruptions. With prices more than doubling in the past year and references to the historic 1918 unrest resurfacing, the so-called “Reiwa...