The minimum you must know

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned on September 7, 2025 to avoid a political vacuum after his party was defeated in an election reportedly because of internally high inflation for basic necessities and a fundraising controversy two years ago. The election results were obviously not because of foreign relations or trade negotiations with the United States, which views Japan as one of the closest alliances in Asia. (The United States even set tariffs at very low level for Japan compared to all other countries, such as at a mere 15% for automobiles.) A election was held in October 2025 for his successor, Sanae Takaichi. Emperor Naruhito remains ceremonial head of state for life, after ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne in May 2019.

Japan made peace shortly after the second global conflict by agreeing to forever behave peacefully and accepting a constitution written by the United States (though Japan was allowed to maintain a military for defensive purposes only). The country developed without much external help into a leading participant in the global economy subsequently and once again is militarily capable. In fact, Japan has one of the most advanced societies on earth. Japanese media sometimes prefer peace and are calming stewards of market stability globally, inspiring the Japanese population to participate in global economic growth. Japan developed some of its current security capabilities in cooperation with the United States and Europe.

Throughout the country's extraordinary development, Japan set a great example. Tremendous work ethic and intellectual rigor in Japan led cities there to flourish through steady technological and manufacturing advancement. Progress occurred without a domestic military. Therefore, the country's entire resources went into improving the experience of the population.

Throughout Japan's decades of peaceful progress, the government and population developed a reputation for integrity. This continues to be true today. Prime Ministers of Japan have a tradition of patterning "peace" (sometimes eloquently) at the United Nations. This writer believes very much in the future of peace for Japan with all other peace-loving nations.

Although Japan dutifully supports NATO in negotiations with North Korea, Japan only seeks peace on the Korean peninsula.

Russia and Japan sometimes participate in peace talks regarding ownership of the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils.

Japan has excellent improving relations with all other neighboring nations, including China and South Korea.