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The article discusses Shinzo Abe, the nationalist prime minister of Japan. He improved international relations with China and South Korea, yet is facing criticism on his domestic policy. The public has faulted Abe for weak leadership and a failure to stay on message. The author states that Abe's tenure has been complicated by his "conservative idealism." His popularity has fallen sharply in the polls.

This article profiles Japanese politician Shinzo Abe. Abe is the probable successor to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who will step down from his post in September of 2006. Abe's lack of an established political track record is discussed, and the article notes that Abe hopes to both revise the Japanese Constitution to eliminate pacifist postwar military tradition, and to also defy China's bid to become the regional economic leader.

The article looks at how Japan has become enveloped in a deepening diplomatic isolation in recent years. The author suggests that Japan wartime past has never mattered so much, despite the fact that it has been sixty years since the end of World War II. It is inferred that the animosity felt in Asia and the rest of the world toward Japan's military history and past military actions was dismissed during the country's years as an economic powerhouse but that this animosity is now beginning to threaten continued economic growth. Japan's influence in Asia is being increasingly threatened by China. Japan's failed bid to earn a seat on the United Nations Security Council is discussed. Japan has publicly refuted foreign sensitivities to its past military actions.

Focuses on recent anti-Japanese protests in China. Reports that Chinese President Hu Jintao worried the demonstrations would get out of hand; Speculation that the public outcry was caused by advanced reviews of Japanese textbook that allegedly overlooks Japan's wartime atrocities in Asia; Suggestion that the demonstrations are representative of the general increase in tension between China and Japan as they compete for the role of dominant player in both Pacific and international affairs.

Reports on the popularity of Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi. Reasons why Koizumi stands head and shoulders above his political rivals; Success of Koizumi's economic reform policies; Discussion of Koizumi's presidential style of leadership; Details of Japan's recent economic recovery; Speculation about whether Koizumi will lose his job due to a pension scandal that has brought down several members of government; Discussion of how the forced resignation of Naoto Kan, head of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, could effect Koizumi; Discussion of the challenges Koizumi must face, including a slowdown in economic growth, the controversy surrounding his trips to North Korea, and the need to defend his decision to send troops to Iraq.

The article discusses the difficulties faced by Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe in his first six months in office. Abe has been helped by attempts to mend Japan's relationship with China. Abe has been criticized for his denial of Japanese atrocities committed against China during the Sino-Japanese War. Abe is pushing for a Japanese foreign policy based on democratic values.

This article focuses on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's reaction to North Korea's test of a nuclear device. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il's provocation has given Abe the perfect opportunity to institute the tough, resolute foreign policy he promised in his campaign. He swiftly announced the strictest economic sanctions ever imposed by Japan against North Korea with a ban on all of the country's imports and ships, and most North Koreans themselves.

This article discusses military relations between Japan and China during 2006. Both nations have attempted to assert their naval presence in the East China Sea, which is rich in gas fields. The East China Sea battle is examined in light of other land disputes between Japan and China in both nations' struggle for natural resources.

The article focuses on comments critical of Japan, made by South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun in the spring of 2006. It is suggested that Roh is attempting to gain support among the country's young and nationalistic citizens before local elections; his Uri Party is performing poorly, due to slow economic growth.

This article reports that Japan needs to balance its relations with the United States against its cordial connections to oil-rich Middle Eastern states. Japan is well thought of in the region, in contrast to the United States and European countries. Although dependent on the U.S. for its national security, Japan relies on Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for its energy supply and is investing heavily in the Middle East.

The article looks at how Japan's diplomatic relations with China are effecting its status as a leading power in Asia. When Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Wu Yi arrived in Tokyo on May 17, the visit was billed as part of a new move toward reconciliation after recent feuding between Asia's two biggest economies. Needless to say, it didn't work out as the optimists had hoped. Shortly before a scheduled meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Wu suddenly announced that she was heading back to Beijing--an unprecedented affront. Japan's status in Asia, once a virtual given, is being challenged like never before by China's ascendance. Not that long ago it seemed that Tokyo could ensure its influence in the region by doling out generous helpings of foreign aid to Asian economies. But now Japan's political class finds itself confronting a shrewd and skillful rival for regional leadership--one that, moreover, isn't afraid to use historical grievance to advance its agenda. As China rapidly expands and modernizes its military, Japan has been quietly refurbishing its own armed forces (including intensified research into missile defense and enhancing operational compatibility with the U.S. military). But in every case the Koizumi administration finds itself facing tricky choices.

The author discusses the impacts of the March 11, 2011 earthquake in Japan, tsunami, and resulting nuclear meltdown. Economic activity is said to gradually increase, but with a risk of inflation. The Japanese government is believed to have handled the crisis well, but will have to choose between closing all nuclear power plants, resulting to increased power shortages and costs, or risking popular backlash by not closing them. Also, the disaster is expected to make the Japanese more disconnected from the world.

This article analyzes the move of the Chinese government to show its growing military and economic interests. It discusses the decision of China to downgrade diplomatic ties with Japan in response to their maritime dispute. It observes that the move contradicts the country's former attitude toward cooperating peacefully with its neighbors. It also asserts that China has publicly raised its claims to territory in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

This article presents information about relations between Japan and the United States. Some speculate that relations are strained because of Japan's opposition to a U.S. airbase in a densely populated section of Japan. The article notes that the two countries agree on many other more important issues, such as cooperation over North Korean policy and the fundamentals of their security alliance.

This article explores the issue of Japan refusing to stop the practice of whaling. Environmentalists worldwide are condemning the practice that has been outlawed by most countries. The issue has come to particular attention because Australia has ordered the Japanese to stop the practice or risk facing sanctions and detentions on any Japanese ships who seek port in Australian waters. The author looks at the reasons why the Japanese refuse to give up the practice.

The article presents an interview with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe discusses the importance of an alliance between the United States and Japan. He talks about the success he has had in improving Japan's relations with China. He also talks about a visit that he will make to the Middle East to talk to leaders there about how to secure peace and stability in the region.

An interview with Yuriko Koike, Japan's first national-security advisor, is presented. Koike is a former member of Parliament and Environment minister, and now the most powerful woman in the Japanese government. She comments on how she plans to support Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his plans to carry out an assertive diplomacy to show Japan's reliability and strength. She explains why Japan decided to appoint a national-security advisor and Japan's response to North Korea's nuclear test.

Focuses on the Japanese artwork that was left behind in Korea when Japan left the country at the end of World War II. Number of pieces on display at the Japanese Modern Art Collection from the National Museum of Korea; Japanese artists featured including Kiyotaka Kaburaki and Nampu Katayama; Number of pieces originally collected by Yi Un, the last prince of Korea's Choson dynasty; Discussion of art transcending issues of state and politics.

Discusses Japan's plans to send troops to join the antiterror military campaign in an effort to bolster its reputation in the international community. Symbolism of this action after Japan faced humiliation when it failed to join the allied military campaign that liberated Kuwait in 1991; Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's views; How Japan could open itself up to more serious obligations through its eagerness to make a symbolic gesture.