Japan’s handling of the ‘history issue’ is relevant to American interests in Asia… Anti-Japanese feelings, inflamed every time a politician denies the comfort women, make it harder for the U.S. to manage its alliances.

Abe’s strong alliance stance makes him a valuable U.S. partner, but his nationalist agenda sometimes complicates Washington’s diplomacy in Asia.

As Japan grays and its population shrinks, a controlled influx of immigrants could provide the youthful labor and innovation needed to keep the nation afloat.

Japan has built walls — linguistic, cultural, regulatory — that shut out foreign ideas and talent. Those walls must come down if Japan is to truly thrive in a global era.