Articles by Shin Kawashima

Did Japan just ‘downgrade’ China in its Diplomatic Bluebook?

Japan’s latest Diplomatic Bluebook describes China as “an important neighbouring country”, when it used to be “one of Japan’s most important bilateral relations”, prompting backlash from China. Academic Shin Kawashima says there is no need to read too much into the change in phrasing.

Shin Kawashima

03 Jun 2026

China’s forgotten role in shaping Japan’s pacifist constitution

Japan’s Constitution is set to mark its 80th anniversary in 2027 as debate over revision gains momentum. Yet Article 9 remains sensitive, with war-renunciation and armed forces limits still central to national consensus and contention, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.

Shin Kawashima

18 May 2026

Let the woman rule: How Takaichi became Japan’s symbol of change

Voters rallied behind Japan’s first female prime minister, seeing Takaichi not just as a Liberal Democratic Party leader but as a figure to challenge the old order and bring unprecedented change to politics and policy. Academic Shin Kawashima takes a look at the factors that led to the election outcome.

Shin Kawashima

27 Feb 2026

Takaichi: Moderate in Japan, hawk abroad?

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seen as cautious and moderate in Japan, prioritising budgets and legal debates. Yet in China and overseas, her rhetoric is often framed as provocative, stoking tensions. Academic Shin Kawashima looks into the discrepancies.

Shin Kawashima

26 Feb 2026

Beyond China: Japan’s unseen diplomacy under Takaichi

With Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi winning a huge victory in the latest snap election, what does this mean for Japan’s relations with other countries and regions, including South Korea, India and Southeast Asia? Japanese academic Shin Kawashima gives his take.

Shin Kawashima

12 Feb 2026

Japanese expert: China won’t replicate US Maduro raid

Japanese professor Shin Kawashima notes that the US raid in Venezuela is no precedent for Taiwan, and Beijing is unlikely to replicate such military actions despite regional tensions.

Shin Kawashima

16 Jan 2026

Japanese academic: What the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique really means

The carefully worded 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique has long been the basis of Japan-China relations, but as regional tensions mount, inherent contradictions and interpretations of the text may become more problematic, opines Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.

Shin Kawashima

29 Dec 2025

Japanese academic: Takaichi’s China policy misread

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s approach mirrors predecessors, but timing and misunderstandings over Taiwan remarks have fuelled debate and Beijing concern, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.

Shin Kawashima

12 Dec 2025

Japanese academic: What Sanae Takaichi meant by ‘a survival-threatening situation’

Did Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi give away Japan’s strategic ambiguity with her comments on a “survival-threatening situation”? Japanese academic Shin Kawashima gives his views.

Shin Kawashima

17 Nov 2025

How Sanae Takaichi mastered the politics of popularity

In her first month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has gained popularity both at home and abroad, balancing conservative and middle class support. Academic Shin Kawashima explores how her diplomacy, Abe’s legacy, and policy choices drove her approval rating to 80%.

Shin Kawashima

14 Nov 2025

Sanae Takaichi and the future of Japan’s security policy

Sanae Takaichi’s rise as Japan’s first female prime minister marks a historic moment — but not a sharp break. A loyal Abe protégé and firm US ally, Tokyo’s “Iron Lady” is set to preserve Japan’s security course while navigating new regional tensions, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.

Shin Kawashima

21 Oct 2025

80 years later, Japan still can’t agree on how to remember WWII

As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, all eyes are on whether Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will issue a statement, as his predecessors did. Japanese academic Shin Kawashima looks at the prospects.

Shin Kawashima

21 Aug 2025