Japan’s Olympic-Size Gamble on COVID-19
“The world’s eyes are on the Tokyo Olympics and whether Japan can hold COVID-19 at bay in order to pull off the games. While a handful of high-profile athletes have tested positive and Tokyo’s—and Japan’s—caseload has surged to record levels, so far, the Japanese government is winning its bet that it can power through. But it […]
How Japan’s New PM Can Take a Lead in Improving Global Health
“Kishida managed to make his case to Japanese voters as to why his plans to battle and arrest the COVID-19 pandemic at home, one of the top issues of concern, will be different from that of his predecessor. The new prime minister would serve the country well, however, by also ensuring that Japan plays a […]
Malaysia’s Path to Becoming Ageing Nation Fast Even By Global Standards
“MyAgeing was awarded with the 2021 Special Prize for Covid-19 Response for its contribution in helping the elderly during the pandemic… The award was part of the Japanese government’s Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN) and co-managed by the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA) and the Japan Centre for International Exchange (JCIE).”
Mainichi OpEd Quotes JCIE’s Menju, Says Japan Is Now an Immigrant Nation
“This rigid focus on accepting foreigners as a mere labor resource adjusting valve risks compromising human rights. Moreover, half-hearted integration policies and Japanese language education may exacerbate societal divisions.
The JCIE’s Menju says, ‘Japan is no longer in any position to treat immigration as taboo. The government must make its basic stance on this clear.'”
Sustained and Strategic Investments Needed for US-Japan Collaboration
This piece by JCIE executive director Kazuyo Kato and board member Susan Berresford highlights the need to continue investing in promoting intellectual exchange between Japan and the US to foster a new generation of leaders who can maintain the strength of the US-Japan alliance.
Japan’s Democracy: Lessons and Reflections | Concluding Paper
This report serves as the concluding paper for a project on “Japan’s Democracy: Lessons and Reflections” and was written by the project lead, Dr. Harukata Takenaka, to summarize the key points that emerged out of the prior three discussions.
The Struggle for Democracy in Asia Deserves Our Support
This piece by Freedom House President Michael Abramawitz highlights recent trends in democracy in Asia and beyond, as well as Mr. Abramawitz’s attendance at the recent Sunnylands Initiative Retreat in Odawara, Japan.
The US and Japan as G7 Champions of Health and Democracy
In this op-ed published in the Diplomat ahead of the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, JCIE/USA Executive Director Kazuyo Kato and Ambassador (ret.) Mark Lagon, Chief Policy Officer at Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, call for more deliberate US-Japan collaboration in the areas of global health and democratic norms to underpin the two countries’ mutual commitment to uphold human dignity.
Japan Elderly Care Services Drawing Interest from Thailand, Other Asian Nations
“In early November, three older people with dementia were cleaning a park in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. A group of nine visitors from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Singapore observed the way the three, who receive the services of a nearby daycare center, were contributing to their community. The visitors included representatives of civil society organizations that provide support for the elderly. The Japan Center for International Exchange, which aims to help other Asian countries in dealing with issues related to population aging, was among the organizations that invited the visitors to learn about Japan’s elderly care services.”
East Asia Insights | Five Myths about Dealing with North Korea: A Japanese Perspective
This issue discusses the validity of the oft-heard critiques of the February Joint Statement, which was created after North Korea conducted a series of missile tests in July, in addition to its first-ever nuclear weapons test in October.