By Danes and Jilly

Tokyo International University’s Global Dialogue Series held on 4th of October 2023 invited Brad Glosserman, a deputy director and visiting professor at Tama University, to provide further insight on Japan’s future possible policies under Prime Minister Kishida. Before delving deep into PM Kishida’s policies, Brad Glosserman first reviewed previous policies and the previous prime minister, Abe Shinzo. 

There are certain “legacies” left by Prime Minister Abe. He is a conservative nationalist who directed his interest more to the right. Thus, there is always a power competition between the left and right while shifting power to the center at times when he needs to regain control. However, internationally, it seems that Kishida inherits the concern of China, a traditional competitor, that has recently been developing much of their economy. Furthermore, there are also concerns on Taiwan which might be crucial for Japan’s future policies. This is evident with the recent increase in economic cooperation between the two East Asian States.

Additionally, there are some security concerns as well in which both of those states play a role, along with China. During the dialogue, Brad Glosserman emphasizes two factors, first being internal and second, external. The internal factors include the cabinet, the business sector, and the recent economic recession. The external factors focus more on Japan’s increasing interest in international security, the G7 meeting in Hiroshima, and China’s growing influence. In the World Order being tested, Dr. Brad Glosserman profoundly analyzed the importance of the international environment in finding Japan’s place in this revolution as well as carving out a space for itself.

The international environment has been gradually changing. The world order is tested by a rising China. The political world transformation raises defining a new global identity by finding alternative powers deserving of preeminent positions in the global order. The roles of the United Nations and G20 are connective networks to boost sustainable international political systems. Global economic governance is a key instrument in boosting global development initiatives, and global politics. However, the emergence of China being aggressive with its creation of the Belt and Road initiative is a factor against international order being under stress. China is thus a significant influence on Japan’s foreign policy.

Both of those factors are key concerns of Prime Minister Kishida in formulating foreign policies. Noting these factors, there are several suggestions that was made during the seminar, which encompasses Japan having a better economic performance, and utilizing their geopolitical influence, further pushing international security agendas, improving diplomatic relations with USA (mainly due to concerns of China), and the prime minister gaining stable control over the national cabinet.

Opening the Q&A session, the Dean of E-track Program and Professor of International Relations, Akitoshi Miyashita raised a question on whether Japan was playing a vital role in relieving global security issues. Further elaborating on this point, Professor Miyashita explained that Japan is a peaceful nation but there are actions of weapon provisions, specifically highlighting the Russia-Ukraine War; which lessen the strain in the Ukraine and Russia Conflict.

Responding to this conundrum, Professor Glosserman answered based on Japanese pacifism which is a special conceptualization to describe its behavior under their constitution. Recalling the past of Japanese history, which is honored as one of the largest military powers, he claimed that the consequences that Japan caused were a nail to restore and pursue peace and get rich for its own nation. From the perspective of global security issues, assisting weapons for Ukraine against Russia is supposed to be its essential action to respond to global security issues.

Japan raised its political influence in boosting Ukraine’s defense against the attack from Russia. Ignoring the intervention in the Ukraine and Russia War is worth consideration for a power like Japan in not concerning about political global issues. Japan’s action is for boosting diplomatic relations purpose and also reflects Japan’s interest in international security issues. Hence, utilizing its military weapons is a diplomatic toolbox claiming Japanese political power influence on global issues. 

Additionally, in the Q&A Session, there were many questions which further mapped the insight on additional factors, mainly domestic. Some questions address certain social segments in Japan, such as the women and youth. The first question revolves around women’s influence in democracy. Professor Glosserman answers that there should be further influence of women in the national cabinet. A quota would not suffice, further promotion in political awareness and women participation is necessary for there to be more women involved in politics. In terms of the youth, Professor Glosserman believes that there are concerns about apathy. The government should increase the youth’s political awareness.

Prime Minister Abe bequeathed a worthy legacy to later descendants which contributed to building a prosperous Japan like nowadays. Under his leadership, besides the prosperity regarding Japanese political development in the Abe era, his legacies drew a future political vision contributing to the continuity of the Kishida Administration for the Japanese political pathway. Nowadays, differing from other advanced nations, Japan imbues profound traditional cultural values but still fulfills modern style. Witnessing the change of the world order with China’s growing influence, Japan has still not declined its power position in the global political aspect.