New Japan-U.S. Framework Secures Critical Minerals Amid Rising China Tensions

On October 28, Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and United States President Donald Trump established the United States-Japan Framework For Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing. The framework not only channels billions in joint U.S.–Japan investment to diversify critical mineral supply chains and rebuild high-value industries like magnet manufacturing, but also tightens their political alignment into a more unified bloc that reduces China’s leverage over global technology and security.

GlobalCharlene WangDecember 8, 2025Trump Japan, Japan, Japan-US, Japan Prime MinisterComment

Takaishi Set to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

On October 4, Japan’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party, elected Sanae Takaichi as its president, putting her on the path to becoming Japan’s next prime minister. During a parliamentary session later this month, leaders are set to confirm Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister.

GlobalAllie LynchNovember 6, 2025Japan, Takaichi, Japan Prime MinisterComment

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Announces Resignation

The Liberal Democratic Party has been ruling Japan since the post-war period, and after being plagued with scandals and low public opinion polls, Japan is struggling with stable leadership amidst a politically turbulent time. Despite reaching a deal on tariffs, U.S.-Japan relations remain rocky, with recent polls in Japan revealing citizens’ desires to cut ties and for the country to take a self-defense-centered approach to national security.

GlobalSamrita SriramSeptember 30, 2025Japan, Global NewsComment

A Supreme Court Tilt Toward Executive Power: What Los Angeles ICE Raids Reveal

On September 6th, the United States Supreme Court voted 6-3 to lift a lower court’s order that was blocking immigration raids in Los Angeles, California, while legal challenges continue. Even though the case remains unresolved, this choice has already sent signs of a dangerous trajectory, one where executive power is prioritized over constitutional protections, with vulnerable communities paying the price.

Columns, OpinionJessica HightSeptember 29, 2025Supreme Court, Opinion Piece, Column Piece, Japan, ImmigrationComment

Japan and South Korea: A Time for Reconciliation?

“The consolidation of an Asian bloc against Chinese influence is a top priority for the United States, and the strained relationship between South Korea and Japan has been problematic in creating a united front. With aggressive Chinese actions in Asia ramping up in the recent past, including expansion in the South China Sea and disputes with India in the Ladakh region, both Japan and South Korea understand the necessity of aligning their foreign policy goals to contain China’s authoritarian influence. It is impossible to say whether a new Japanese Prime Minister will be able to overcome the decades of resentment between the two nations, but recent conciliatory statements made by South Korean President Moon Jae-in regarding the mending of ties bode well for future cooperation.”

GlobalDeep UpadhyayOctober 8, 2020Japan, South KoreaComment

Japanese Prime Minister Abe's Replacement

“With the average age of world leaders being at 65 years old, health problems at the executive level are bound to rise. Now, Japan suffers. On Friday, August 28th, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation due to health concerns, with several scandals marking the end of Japan’s longest serving PM.”

GlobalLabeeb AhmedSeptember 19, 2020Japan, Shinzo Abe, Yoshihide SugaComment