ARTICLES

24 Apr 2026

Japan’s Grand Strategy Amid Geopolitical Flux

Kei Koga

Fulcrum editor William Choong talks to Kei Koga about Japan’s grand strategy and approach to the Indo-Pacific amid challenges to the global rules-based order. Prof Koga is Associate Professor and Head of Division at the Public Policy and Global Affairs Programme, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

17 Apr 2026

The Philippines’ Engagement with Japan: A Steady and Deepening Strategic Partnership

Mico A Galang

As the Philippines faces a more complex strategic environment, security cooperation with like-minded countries is critical. This Long Read examines the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, particularly under the Marcos Jr administration.

Japan Philippine Philippine Politics

The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) has approved the Hanoi Declaration on digital cooperation, reaffirming the bloc’s goals and principles as outlined in the 1967 Bangkok Declaration and the ASEAN Charter. (Photo from ASEAN / Facebook)

14 Apr 2026

Japan-ASEAN’s vision for “Co-Creating” AI

Angeline Tan|Kei Koga

Amid growing Sino-US rivalry and technological bifurcation, Japan and ASEAN should work together on “co-creating” AI models which are more inclusive.

ASEAN Japan Southeast Asia

7 Apr 2026

What the Trump-Takaichi Summit Revealed About the US-Japan Alliance

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The US-Japan alliance remains secure, but insecurity is mounting in Asia about the firmness of the US’ commitment to the region.

Japan US

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers questions at a budget committee session of the House of Councillors in Parliament in Tokyo on 16 March 2026. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)

20 Mar 2026

China’s Retaliation Against Japan and the Implications for Southeast Asia

Lye Liang Fook

Lye Liang Fook argues that Beijing’s retaliatory measures against Japan could increase pressure on ASEAN countries, making it important for ASEAN to continue emphasising restraint and peaceful dialogue.

ASEAN ASEANFocus China Japan Taiwan

24 Feb 2026

Japan’s Growing Hard-power Profile: Implications for Southeast Asia

Hoang Thi Ha|Eugene R.L. Tan

Japan is emerging as a consequential hard-power player, expanding its deterrence and defence-industrial capabilities, as well as its regional and global defence networks. As Japan strengthens its military posture, Southeast Asian states are under mounting pressure to navigate the intensifying Tokyo-Beijing rivalry while carefully managing domestic sensitivities.

Defence Diplomacy Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Security

9 Jan 2026

Takaichi and Taiwan: When Deterrence Looks Like Provocation

William Choong|Kei Koga

Chinese reactions to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s comments about Japan's involvement in a Taiwan contingency have an element of political theatre. Beijing is adopting a more sophisticated strategy of isolating Tokyo on the issue.

China Japan Taiwan

28 Jan 2025

Can Japan Provide Stability to Southeast Asia Amid US Uncertainty?

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The Japanese leader’s trips to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.

Indonesia Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Malaysia

18 Dec 2024

Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.

Japan South Korea U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy