Robert Dujarric critiques Japan’s passive stance on critical issues, calling for visionary leadership to navigate demographic and economic challenges.

Robert Dujarric examines Japan’s proposed defense policy bills, highlighting their role in formalizing existing security practices rather than introducing radical changes.

In his 2015 article for The Japan Times, Robert Dujarric critiques the Abe administration’s use of public funds to target the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. 

Robert Dujarric explores the contradiction between Japan’s pacifist self-image and its provocative political symbolism in this 2014 article for The Diplomat.

What explains the LDP’s warmth toward a party that shares little of its political DNA? In this 2014 piece for The Japan Times, Robert Dujarric examines the curious alignment between Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and America’s GOP.

Abe Shinzo’s agenda leans heavily into nostalgic nationalism, but does little to prepare Japan for looming challenges ahead.

Japan’s government has publicly and frequently apologized for the evils of the Showa Era. Unfortunately, frequent statements…minimizing the extent of war crimes seriously undermined the credibility of its apologies.

Without a more globally adept workforce, Japan risks falling behind — yet the path to ‘globalize’ its insular labor pool will not come cheap or easy.

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.

Japan essentially has three choices in handling the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute: escalate, acquiesce, or manage the status quo – each with distinct risks.

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.

The financial meltdown of 2008 has accelerated the decay of the Group of Eight… Japan should stop clinging to the G8 and wholeheartedly embrace the G20 era.