Key Takeaways:- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is positioning herself as Abe’s successor, advancing a pragmatic version of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” diplomacy while moderating her conservative instincts to build broad public support.- Despite her strong early approval ratings, Takaichi faces immediate diplomatic challenges with China and South Korea, testing her ability to balance deterrence, stability, ...

Key Takeaways:・South Korea-Japan ties are at a crossroads. Historical and media perceptions of Japan’s new leader, Takaichi, could strain cooperation.・Economic security convergence: Both nations increasingly view supply chains, semiconductors, and critical minerals as core to national security, offering grounds for alignment.・Institutional cooperation opportunities: Proposals for a South Korea-Japan “econom...

Key Takeaways -       South Korea and Japan have made historic strides in bilateral relations under President Lee, with the first joint statement in 17 years and enhanced trilateral cooperation with the U.S. -       To sustain momentum, both countries should institutionalize cooperation through security and economic “2+2” meetings, military...