Since last week, there has been no shortage of analysis on how the world will deal with an upcoming second Trump term and Japan has been no different.
Below are links to various curated news reports from public broadcaster NHK World speaking with a former Japanese Ambassador to Japan, an expert on U.S. politics from Keio University amongst others on what Japan can do to prepare for the next four years.
Paul Sracic, professor at Youngstown State University
According to Wikipedia, “In 1992, Sracic joined the Department of Politics and International Relations at Youngstown State University. He became chair of the department in 2006. In 2009, Sracic received a Fulbright scholarship to teach in Japan at the University of Tokyo and Sophia University. Sracic returned to Japan in 2012, as part of Prime Minister Noda’s Visiting Experts program.”
NHK World does not allow other sites to embed their YouTube videos so click the photo or here to open YouTube in a separate browser window.
Key Takeaways:
Trump’s strong rapport with former PM Abe Shinzo boosted U.S.-Japan relations.
Economic focus includes prior trade deals, like the phase one agreement reducing tariffs.
Likely to continue supporting “the Quad” security alliance with Japan, India, and Australia.
Former Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki
As per Wikipedia “Ichiro Fujisaki was Japanese Ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2012. He was previously the Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations and to the World Trade Organization.”
Click the photo or here to open YouTube in a separate browser window for full interview.
Key Takeaways:
Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy:
Significant shifts expected in global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
Trump might push for early negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Concerns that Trump’s approach in Gaza could drive Iran closer to China, North Korea, and Russia.
Japan-U.S. Relations:
Strong alliance with the U.S. remains critical for Japan amidst regional tensions.
Positive Japan-U.S. ties seen as beneficial for stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Advice to Japan's Leadership:
Maintain a calm, cooperative stance with Trump like former prime minister Abe did; avoid public criticism like that given by Theresa May, Justin Trudeau and Emmanual Macron during Trump’s first term.
Focus on direct, one-on-one diplomacy to sustain strong bilateral relations.
Mori Satoru, professor at Keio University
As summarized from Keio University’s website, Mori Satoru earned a doctorate in law from the University of Tokyo in 2007 and became a professor at Hosei University until 2022. He focused on U.S.-Asian strategy and advanced technology.
Since 2018, Satoru San has been a Senior Researcher at the Nakasone Peace Institute, served as a Special Advisor at the National Security Secretariat (2016-2019), and contributed to Japan's defense policy discussions.
Satoru San is currently Deputy Director of Keio Center for Strategy.
Click the photo or here to open YouTube in a separate browser window for full interview.
Key Takeaways:
Middle East Policy:
Trump likely to support Israel fully, encouraging completion of its military actions.
Aims to reshape the Middle Eastern security landscape, potentially isolating Iran.
China and Taiwan:
Trump may raise tariffs on China while his team focuses on clear support for Taiwan's defense, differing from Biden’s approach of "strategic ambiguity."
Japan-U.S. Relations:
Japan may face increased U.S. demands for defense spending and support.
Need for a new look at the Japan-U.S. alliance approach, moving beyond past Republican policies.
