Japan Memo
Japan Memo is a monthly podcast series that analyzes why Japan matters in today's regional and global geopolitical landscape. Each episode features Robert Ward of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Japan Chair Programme, who brings in strategists, experts, and practitioners from around the world to examine how Japan uses its diplomatic, economic, and military tools to achieve its strategic goals, and what lessons it offers to other countries.
Episodes
Japan’s nuclear policy in a changing East Asia with Professor Akiyama Nobumasa, Dr Lami Kim and Dr Daniel Salisbury
Robert Ward hosts Professor Akiyama Nobumasa, Professor of International Security at Hitotsubashi University and Director of the Japan Institute of International Affairs’ Center for Disarmament, Science and Technology; Dr Lami Kim, IISS Korea Chair in Advanced Technologies, National Security and Defence; and Dr Daniel Salisbury, Senior Fellow for Nuclear-Arms Control, Non-Proliferation and Disarma
Japan and Australia with Professor Satake Tomohiko and Genna Lehman
Robert Ward hosts Satake Tomohiko, Professor at the School of International Politics, Economics and Communication (SIPEC) at Aoyama Gakuin University, and Genna Lehman, non-resident fellow at the United States Studies Centre’s Economic Security Programme in Sydney, about Japan-Australia relations. Together, they explore:The evolution of Middle Power cooperation between Japan and Austral
Japan’s intelligence reforms with Professor Kotani Ken
Robert Ward hosts Professor Kotani Ken, Professor of College of Risk Management at Nihon University, for an in-depth discussion on the recent reforms of Japan’s intelligence capabilities.Together, they explore: The significance of the recent setting up of Japan’s first National Intelligence Bureau and National Intelligence CouncilJapan’s strengths and weaknesses in intelligence capabili
Japan and the Gulf with Professor Ikeuchi Satoshi and Sakanashi Sachi
Robert Ward hosts Ikeuchi Satoshi, Professor of the Division of Religion and Global Security at the Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo, and Sakanashi Sachi, the Board Member and Director of the Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies (JIME) Centre at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) for an in-depth discussion on the current
Key takeaways from the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue with Professor Jimbo Ken
Robert Ward speaks with Professor Jimbo Ken – Managing Director of the International House of Japan, President of the Asia Pacific Initiative and Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University – for a wide-ranging analysis of the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. This special edition of Japan Memo offers timely and in-depth analysis of the key themes and moments from this year’s Dia
Special Episode | Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro: reflections on the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2026
Robert Ward speaks with Japan’s Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro, on the sidelines of the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. In this special episode of Japan Memo, Minister Koizumi discusses his impressions of the Dialogue and reflects on what Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s speech means for Japan and for the US—Japan Alliance.Together, they explore:●  
Japan’s defence-export reform with Miyagawa Makio and Michishita Narushige
Robert Ward hosts Ambassador Miyagawa Makio, former senior Japanese diplomat, and Professor Michishita Narushige, Professor of International Security Studies at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, for an in-depth discussion on the recent reform of Japan’s defence-export policy. Together, they explore:The historic
Japan-US Economic Security with Katada Saori and Yamada Satoshi
Robert Ward hosts Katada Saori, Professor of International Relations and the Director of the Center of International Studies at the University of Southern California, and Yamada Satoshi Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), for an in-depth discussion on the current state and future direction of Japan-US economic security.Together, they explore: Th
Japan’s Critical Mineral Strategy with Kristin Vekasi and Hatakeyama Kyoko
Robert Ward hosts Dr Kristin Vekasi, the Mansfield Chair of Japan and Indo-Pacific Affairs at the University of Montana, and Professor Hatakeyama Kyoko, Professor of International Relations at the Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development, University of Niigata Prefecture for an in-depth discussion on the current state and future direction of Japan’s critical mineral strate
Japan’s Foreign and Security Policy in 2026 with Professor Taniguchi Tomohiko
Robert Ward hosts Professor Taniguchi Tomohiko, Chairman of Nippon Kaigi and Specially Appointed Professor at the University of Tsukuba. They discuss the outlook of Japan’s foreign and security policy in 2026. Together, they explore: · The upcoming Japanese snap election· The Takaichi government’s security and d
Japan’s Security and Diplomacy in 2025 with Dr Kristi Govella and Dr Eva Pejsova
Robert Ward hosts Kristi Govella, senior advisor and Japan chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and Eva Pejsova, Japan chair at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy of the Brussels School of Governance. They review Japan’s security and diplomacy in 2025. Together, they explore: The US 
Japan-US defence-industrial cooperation with Ogi Hirohito, Ito Ayano, and Tom Corben
Robert Ward hosts Ogi Hirohito, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Geoeconomics; Ito Ayano, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ITO Strategy Company; and Tom Corben, Research Fellow at the United States Studies Centre. They discuss the increasing cooperation between Japan and the US in the defence industry.Together, they explore: · How Takaichi a
Japan’s Energy Security with Yamashita Yukari and Stephen Stapczynski
Robert Ward hosts Yamashita Yukari, Managing Director at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), and Stephen Stapczynski, Asia Energy Team Leader at Bloomberg News, for an in-depth discussion on the current state and future direction of Japan’s energy security. Together, they explore: Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan and its emphasis on economic security and energy mix.
Japan-US-China Economic Relations with Goto Shihoko and Professor Eto Naoko
Robert Ward hosts Goto Shihoko, Senior Fellow for Indo-Pacific Affairs at the Mansfield Foundation, and Eto Naoko, Professor at Gakushuin University and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Geoeconomics, for a timely discussion on Japan–US–China economic relations.. Together, they explore: · US-China competition and its implications for Japan’s
The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War: the evolution of Japan’s post-war defence policy
Robert Ward hosts Dr Chijiwa Yasuaki, Chief, International Conflict Division, National Institute for Defence Studies (NIDS), Ministry of Defence, Dr Jennifer Lind, Associate Professor in the Department of Government at Dartmouth, and Dr Sayuri Romei, Senior Fellow in the German Marshall Fund, GMF, Indo-Pacific Program. They discuss the evolution of Japan's post-war defence policy in light of the 8
The 60th anniversary of normalisation of Japan-South Korea diplomatic relations with Professor Sakata Yasuyo, Professor Victor Cha and Professor Jung-Hoon Lee
Robert Ward hosts Sakata Yasuyo, Professor of International Relations at Kanda University, Victor Cha, President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Jung-Hoon Lee, Dean and Professor of International Relations at the Graduate School of International Studies at Yonsei University. They discuss Japan–South
Key takeaways from the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue with Professor Jimbo Ken
In this special edition of Japan Memo Season 5, Robert Ward reports from Singapore on the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. Joining him is Professor Jimbo Ken, Managing Director of the International House of Japan, President of the Asia Pacific Initiative, and Professor at Keio University’s Faculty of Policy Management. They deliver timely and in-depth analysis of this year’s key developments an
Deepening Japan–UK relations with Professor Hosoya Yuichi, Professor Yee Kuang Heng, and Fenella McGerty
Robert Ward hosts Professor Hosoya Yuichi, Professor of International Politics at Keio University, Professor Yee Kuang Heng, Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy and Director of the Security Studies Unit at the Institute for Future Initiatives at the University of Tokyo, and Fenella McGerty, the IISS Senior Fellow for defence economics in the Defence and Military Analysis Programme. T
Japan’s role in Indo-Pacific minilateralism
Robert Ward hosts Dr Bart Gaens, Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and Japan Chair at the International Centre for Defence and Security, Tatsumi Yuki, Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, and Dr Alice Dell’Era, Assistant Professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. They discuss Japan’s role in Indo-Pacific minilateralism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
Japan’s challenges amid growing cooperation between Russia and China with Professor Takahara Akio, Dr Elizabeth Wishnick and Dr Catherine Jones
Robert Ward hosts Professor Takahara Akio, Emeritus Professor of The University of Tokyo, Dr Elizabeth Wishnick, Senior Research Scientist at the Centre for Naval Analyses (CNA) and Dr Catherine Jones, a Lecturer at the University of St Andrews, to explore Japan’s challenges amid growing cooperation between Russia and China. Robert, Akio, Elizabeth and Catherine discuss: The rec
Japan’s economic-security policy with Professor Suzuki Kazuto and Dr Elli-Katharina Pohlkamp
Robert Ward hosts Professor Suzuki Kazuto, Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, and Dr Elli-Katharina Pohlkamp, Director at Agora Strategy Group, to explore Japan’s economic security policy. Robert, Professor Suzuki and Dr Pohlkamp discuss: Recent developments in Japan’s economic security strategyThe European perspective on Japan’s economic secur
Japan and the US under a second Trump presidency with Dr Sheila Smith and Dr Jeffrey Hornung
Robert Ward hosts Dr Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and Dr Jeffrey Hornung, the Japan Lead for the RAND National Security Research Division. Robert, Sheila and Jeffrey discuss: Japan’s strategic landscape under Trump 2.0, including insights for PM Ishiba from Abe’s successful approach Japan’s defence pol
Japan and deterrence with Bill Emmott, Murano Masashi, and Dr Baldauff Nanae
Robert Ward is joined by Bill Emmott, Chairman of the IISS Trustees, Murano Masashi, a senior fellow with Hudson Institute’s Japan Chair, and Dr Baldauff Nanae, Non-Resident Senior Associate Fellow at the NATO Defense College to discuss Japan and deterrence. Robert, Bill, Masashi and Nanae discuss: · The strategic definition of deterrence,
The security and foreign policy of the Ishiba administration with Professor Axel Berkofsky, Professor Hatakeyama Kyoko and Professor Takenaka Harukata
Robert Ward hosts Axel Berkofsky, Associate Professor at the University of Pavia, Professor Hatakeyama Kyoko, Professor of International Relations at University of Niigata Prefecture, and Professor Takenaka Harukata, Professor of Political Science at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. Robert, Axel, Kyoko and Harukata discuss: · &
Japan and the Nordic-Baltic states with Dr Matsuda Takuya, Dr Vida Macikenaite and Dr Wrenn Yennie Lindgren
Robert Ward hosts Dr Matsuda Takuya, Adjunct Lecturer at Aoyama Gakuin University, Dr Vida Macikenaite, Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of International Relations of the International University of Japan, and Dr Wrenn Yennie Lindgren, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Centre for Asian Research at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. Robert, Takuya, Vida and Wrenn
Japan and the Pacific Islands countries with Professor Koga Kei, Shiozawa Hideyuki and Euan Graham
Robert Ward hosts Professor Koga Kei, Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Shiozawa Hideyuki, Senior Program Officer at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Euan Graham, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Robert, Kei, Hideyuki and Euan discuss: Japan’s strategic approach to the Pacific Island countriesChina’s growing influence in the regionAus
Japan’s intelligence capabilities with Professor Richard J Samuels, Professor Kotani Ken and Hosaka Sanshiro
Robert Ward hosts Richard J Samuels, Ford International Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kotani Ken, Professor at Nihon University in Japan, and Hosaka Sanshiro, Research Fellow at the International Centre for Defence and Security and PhD student at the University of Tartu. Robert, Richard, Ken and Sanshiro discuss: The history of
Japan and the EU with Professor Iwama Yoko, Professor Guibourg Delamotte and Dr Alexandra Sakaki
Robert Ward hosts Iwama Yoko, Professor at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Guibourg Delamotte, Professor of Political Science at the Japanese Studies Department of the French Institute of Oriental Studies (Inalco), and Dr Alexandra Sakaki, Deputy Head of the Asia Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs at Stiftung Wissenschaft and Pol
Japan and North Korea with Professor Chris Hughes, Dr Naoko Aoki and Joseph Dempsey
Robert Ward hosts Chris Hughes, Professor of International Politics and Japanese Studies at the University of Warwick, Dr Naoko Aoki , Associate Political Scientist at the RAND Corporation, and Joseph Dempsey, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis at the IISS.Robert, Chris, Naoko and Joseph discuss Japan and North Korea:Japan’s diplomatic strategy towards North KoreaNorth Korea’s st
Japan’s maritime security policy in the Indo-Pacific with Professor Alessio Patalano, Veerle Nouwens and Nick Childs
Robert Ward hosts Alessio Patalano, Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London, Veerle Nouwens, the Executive Director of IISS-Asia, and Nick Childs, the IISS Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security. Robert, Alessio, Veerle, and Nick discuss Japan’s maritime security policy in the Indo-Pacific. Topics discussed include:&nb
Japan and the Russia-Ukraine War with Professor Higashino Atsuko, Professor James D.J. Brown and Dr Nigel Gould-Davies
In the second episode of Japan Memo season 4, Robert Ward hosts Higashino Atsuko, a Professor at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Tsukuba, James Brown, a Professor of political science at Temple University, Japan campus, and Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, the IISS Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia. Robert, Atsuko, James and Nigel discuss Japan and the Russia-Ukraine
Japan’s relationship with ASEAN with Professor Sato Yoichiro, Aaron Connelly and Evan Laksmana
Robert, Professor Sato, Aaron, and Evan discuss Japan’s relationship with ASEAN. Topics discussed include: Japan’s shifting diplomatic and economic relationship with ASEAN amid the rapid growth of ASEAN countries; Japan-ASEAN security relationship in the increasingly complicated geopolitical landscape in the region; Japan’s defence policy in ASEAN amid rising competition between the
Abe’s Speeches and Grand Strategy with Professor Taniguchi Tomohiko
In the twelfth episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Professor Taniguchi Tomohiko, a Visiting Professor at Takushoku University's Institute of World Studies and a Senior Fellow at the Alliance of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies and former Special Advisor to Prime Minister Abe's Cabinet and also as a Councillor in the Cabinet Secretariat (April 2013 to
Japan’s relationship with the Middle East with Professor Tanaka Koichiro and Hasan Alhasan
In the eleventh episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Robert Ward and Togashi Mariko host Professor Tanaka Koichiro, a professor at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University, and Dr Hasan Alhasan, Research Fellow for Middle East Policy at the IISS.Robert, Mariko, Professor Tanaka, and Hasan discuss Japan’s relationship with the Middle East. Topics discussed include:Japan’s key strat
Japan’s policy towards Grey-Zone activities in the Indo-Pacific with Professor Kotani Tetsuo and Lynn Kuok
In the tenth episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Professor Kotani Tetsuo, a professor of global studies at Meikai University and a senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs; and Dr Lynn Kuok, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the IISS. Robert, Yuka, Tetsuo, and Lynn discuss Japan’s response towards expanding grey-z
Japan and the Global South with Ambassador Chinoy and Ambassador Ishii
In the ninth episode of Japan Memo season 3, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Ambassador Sujan Chinoy, the Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi who served as the Indian ambassador to Japan from 2015 to 2018; and Ambassador Masafumi Ishii, a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Gakushuin University who was the Japanese ambassador to
Japan and NATO in 2023 with Ben Schreer and Tsuruoka Michito
In the eighth episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Yuka Koshino hosts Ben Schreer, Executive Director at the IISS-Europe and Head of European Security and Defence Programme, and Tsuruoka Michito, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management in Graduate school of Media and Governance at Keio University, as well as Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University Strategic & Defence S
Japan-ROK relations with Sakata Yasuyo, Mireya Solís and Chung Min Lee
In the seventh episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Robert Ward hosts Sakata Yasuyo, Professor of International Relations at the Kanda University of International Studies; Dr Mireya Solís, Director of the Center for East Asia Policy Studies, Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies, and a Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy Program at Brookings; and Dr Chung Min Lee, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment
Japan Chair Programme takeaways from the 2023 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue
In this special edition of Japan Memo season 3, Robert Ward, Yuka Koshino and Mariko Togashi, report live on the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue from Singapore. Robert, Yuka and Mariko interview Bill Emmott, Chair of the IISS Trustees, Dr Valerie Niquet, Senior Research Fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research and Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the Japan Institute of International Affairs an
Japan, the G7 and multilateralism with Fukushima Akiko
In the fifth episode of Japan Memo season 3, Robert Ward hosts Dr Fukushima Akiko, senior fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research and non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute.Robert and Dr Fukushima delve into the history of Japan’s engagement with multilateralism and multilateral institutions, examine Japan’s role in multilateralism for the age of the great power competition, particul
Japan's approaches to nuclear non-proliferation and deterrence with Akiyama Nobumasa and William Alberque
In the fourth episode of Japan Memo season 3, Koshino Yuka hosts Professor Akiyama Nobumasa, Dean of the School of International and Public Policy and Professor at the Graduate School of Law at Hitotsubashi University, and William Alberque, Director of Strategy, Technology and Arms Control at the IISS.Yuka, Akiyama-sensei and William unpack the dynamics of nuclear issues in the region, examine the
Japan's New Capitalism and the defence budget increase with Bill Emmott and Fenella McGerty
In the third episode of Japan Memo season 3, Mariko Togashi hosts Bill Emmott, Chairman of the IISS Trustees, Chair of the Japan Society UK and an Ushioda Fellow of Tokyo College at the University of Tokyo, and Fenella McGerty, IISS Senior Fellow for Defence Economics.Mariko, Bill and Fenella analyse the balance between defence spending and other public spending priorities, unpack Prime Minister K
Japan's airpower in 2035 with Oue Sadamasa and Douglas Barrie
In the second episode of Japan Memo season 3, Yuka Koshino hosts former Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Lieutenant General Oue Sadamasa, currently Consulting Senior Fellow at the Institute of Geoeconomics in Tokyo, and Douglas Barrie, IISS Senior Fellow for Military Aerospace.Yuka, Oue-san and Doug analyse Japan’s current airpower and aerospace capabilities, assess the regional threats around
Japan’s new national-security documents with Professor Kanehara Nobukatsu
In the first episode of Japan Memo season 3, Yuka Koshino, Mariko Togashi and Robert Ward host Professor Kanehara Nobukatsu, Professor at the Faculty of Law at Doshisha University, senior advisor at The Asia Group in Washington DC, and former Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo from 2012 to 2019.Yuka, Mariko, Robert and Kanehara-sensei unpack Japan’s three historic new n
Japan’s defence and security roles in a Taiwan contingency with Satoru Mori and Zack Cooper
In this month’s episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Satoru Mori, Professor at Keio University in Tokyo and a Senior Fellow at the Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI) and Zack Cooper, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).Robert, Yuka, Satoru and Zack provide US and Japanese perspectives on Taiwan contingency scenarios; their analyses on Taiwan contingenc
Japan, economic security and a Taiwan contingency with Meia Nouwens, Martijn Rasser and Mariko Togashi
In this month’s episode of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino is joined by Martijn Rasser, Senior Fellow and Director of the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for New American Security, Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation, and Mariko Togashi, Matsumoto-Samata Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy at the IISS.Yuka, Mar
Japan’s cybersecurity with Matsubara Mihoko
In this episode of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino and Mariko Togashi host Matsubara Mihoko, chief cybersecurity strategist at NTT Corporation and research associate for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict at the IISS.Yuka, Mariko and Mihoko-san analyse Japan’s approaches to cybersecurity, notably following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, offer perspectives on Japan’s cyber capabilities and their impact on na
50 years of normalised Japan-China diplomatic relations with Professor Takahara Akio
In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Professor Takahara Akio, Director of the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, Professor of Contemporary Chinese Politics at the University of Tokyo, Distinguished Research Fellow at the Japan Forum on International Relations, Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs and Senior R
Japan and NATO’s converging strategic interests with Dr Tsuruoka Michito
In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Dr Tsuruoka Michito, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University, as well as Senior Associate Fellow at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) at the Brussels School of Governance, and Senior Fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research.Robert, Yuka, and Tsuruoka-sensei unpack the
Japan's sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine with Dr Maria Shagina
In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Mariko Togashi are joined by Dr Maria Shagina, the IISS Diamond-Brown Research Fellow for Economic Sanctions, Standards and Strategy. Maria brings her extensive knowledge on international sanctions, economic statecraft, and energy policies to discuss Japan’s sanctions on Russia in response to its aggressions in Ukraine and understand the broader dynam
Japan and Asia’s security in 2022 with Kotani Tetsuo and Ueki Chikako
In this episode of Japan Memo, directly preceding the 2022 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Kotani Tetsuo, professor of global studies at Meikai University and senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), and Dr Ueki Chikako Kawakatsu, professor of international relations at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies.Robert, Yuka
Japan’s energy security with Terazawa Tatsuya
In this month’s episode of Japan Memo, recorded in-person at Arundel House in London, Robert Ward and Mariko Togashi, IISS Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy, are joined by Terazawa Tatsuya, Chairman and CEO of The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).Robert, Mariko and Terazawa-san offer insigh
Franco-Japanese relations with Dr Valérie Niquet
In this episode of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino and Robert Ward are joined by Dr Valérie Niquet, senior research fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) in Paris and the Japanese Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) in Tokyo.Robert, Yuka and Valérie discuss the causes and trends in the recent Franco-Japanese rapprochement, and the implications of increasing overlap in France and Jap
Japan’s outer space ambitions with Dr Suzuki Kazuto and Dr Bleddyn Bowen
Yuka Koshino is joined by Dr Suzuki Kazuto, professor of science and technology policy at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo and senior fellow at the Asia Pacific Initiative, and Dr Bleddyn Bowen, lecturer in International Relations at the University of Leicester.Bleddyn and Kazuto draw from their deep government and academic experience in European and Japanese space p
The US – Japan Alliance in 2022 with Dr Michael Green
In this episode of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Dr Michael Green, senior vice president for Asia, Japan Chair, and Henry A. Kissinger Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and director of Asian Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He also served on the National Security Council from 2001 to 2005, first as
Implications of Japan’s general election with Dr Sheila Smith and Peter Landers
In episode 6 of Japan Memo, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Dr Sheila Smith, senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and Peter Landers, Tokyo bureau chief at The Wall Street Journal. Sheila and Peter draw upon their expertise and on-the-ground insights to examine the implications of the 31st October 2021 general election. Topics discussed include
Deepening Japan – UK relations with Ambassador Longbottom
In episode five of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino is joined by the UK’s Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, to discuss Japan – UK relations. She has been serving as Ambassador to Japan since March 2021 and it is her third posting to Japan. Between 1990 – 1993, she was in Tokyo as the Second Secretary in the Political Section of the British Embassy, then again between 2012 – 2016 as the Deputy Head of
Geo-economics and the Japanese private sector with Murakami Yumiko
Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Murakami Yumiko, co-founder and general partner at MPower Partners, an ESG focused venture capital fund and former Head of the OECD Tokyo Centre. Prior to the OECD, she worked at Goldman Sachs in New York and London for approximately 20 years.Drawing upon her vast wealth of experience, Yumiko shares with Robert and Yuka perspectives from the Japanese priv
The Japan–India strategic relationship with Dr Sanjaya Baru
In this episode, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Dr Sanjaya Baru, a Distinguished Fellow at the United Service Institution of India where he conducts research on India's economic and strategic relations with Asia and the strategic imperatives of Indian economic policy. From 2004–2008, he was media adviser to former prime minister Manmohan Singh and was involved in facilitating early exc
Japan’s defence and security challenges in 2021 with Professor Jimbo Ken
In episode two of Japan Memo, co-hosts Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by Professor Jimbo Ken, a security and foreign policy expert from the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University, to discuss the defence and security trends highlighted in Japan’s 2021 Defence White Paper, as well as: • Japan’s missile defence c
Socio-economic changes in Japan with Bill Emmott
In episode one of Japan Memo, co-hosts Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by the Chairman of the IISS Trustees, Bill Emmott. Bill is a writer, consultant, long-time Japan watcher and Chairman of the Japan Society of the United Kingdom. From 1993−2006, he was editor-in-chief of The Economist. To launch this new IISS podcast series, Robert, Yuka and Bill discuss the key developm
Introducing: Japan Memo
The Japan Memo is a new podcast series that unpacks why Japan matters in today’s regional and global geopolitical landscape. In each episode, the co-hosts, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Japan Chair Programme, will bring in strategists, experts and practitioners from around the world to examine how Japan is using its diplomatic, economic an
