Japan Ukraine response

The ruling LDP is striving to ease weapon export rules, with Ukraine in mind, but faces pushback from its junior coalition partner. 

Kishida’s biggest achievement thus far may be showing Japan that sitting out on all conflicts is perhaps no longer an option.

As the need for humanitarian aid grew, Japanese citizens continued to send Bogdan Parkhomenko – a Ukrainian with strong ties to Japan – goods and money, asking him to share with those in need. 

Insights from Naoko Aoki.

Japan is eager to cultivate a lasting commitment to Ukraine, but its international clout is limited despite chairing this year’s G-7 Summit. 

Understanding the meaning of the dueling trips requires a closer look at the larger context of China and Japan’s recent international diplomatic efforts. 

While Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Moscow, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made a surprise visit to Kyiv.

From attempts at flattery and concerted diplomacy in 2014, Tokyo has pivoted to sanctions in lockstep with the rest of the G-7.

After his successful tour of 5 G-7 partners, Japan’s three main challenges are apparent: Russia, China, and nuclear weapons.

Relations between the two nations have reached their lowest point amid further unprecedented Japanese sanctions against Russia.

The case of the Ukrainian refugees, who do not fall into the traditional definition of refugees, could add momentum to efforts to overhaul Japan’s refugee and immigration policies.