Diplomacy and Business – Page 4 – Diplomacy & Business

Takaichi’s cold realism on Russian energy

24

Apr

Opinion

Takaichi’s cold realism on Russian energy

Urmas Teder, journalist. In the corridors of the G7, the narrative is one of total decoupling from Russian hydrocarbons. Yet, in Tokyo, the administration of Sanae Takaichi is quietly practicing a far more nuanced—and controversial—brand of energy diplomacy. While Takaichi remains one of the most hawkish voices against global authoritarianism, her stance on Russian energy projects like Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 reveals a pragmatic streak that prioritizes national survival over absolute diplomatic alignment. To understand Takaichi’s position, one must look through the lens of Economic Security. For the Prime Minister, the security of the Japanese state is inextricably linked to the…

Fujifilm advances green shift in semiconductor materials

23

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Business

Fujifilm advances green shift in semiconductor materials

Fujifilm Corporation has announced the development of the world’s first fluorine-free negative ArF immersion photoresist, a key material used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, marking a significant technological shift in one of the most strategic segments of the global chip supply chain. The new material is designed for advanced nodes used in artificial intelligence semiconductor production, where demand continues to grow rapidly. Fujifilm has already begun providing samples to clients, with early commercialization planned following evaluation. The company positions the innovation as both a performance breakthrough and a response to increasing environmental and regulatory pressure around PFAS-related substances. ArF immersion lithography…

Takaichi aims for more Saudi oil through Red Sea route

23

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Diplomacy

Takaichi aims for more Saudi oil through Red Sea route

Japan has signaled its intention to deepen energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia following a high-level telephone summit between Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The conversation focused on energy security, maritime stability, and the strategic continuity of crude oil flows to Japan amid heightened regional tensions. During the call, Takaichi expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued supply of crude oil to Japan through Yanbu Port, even after the outbreak of broader regional instability. She also requested expanded cooperation to ensure more stable and diversified energy flows, underscoring Tokyo’s priority of securing resilient supply chains in a…

Prefectures step into foreign labour diplomacy as Tokyo lags behind

23

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Japan

Prefectures step into foreign labour diplomacy as Tokyo lags behind

A growing number of Japanese prefectures are increasingly taking an active role in securing foreign workers, reflecting structural limits in the central government’s ability to address regional labour shortages. According to a survey by NHK, 20 of Japan’s 47 prefectures have signed memorandums with foreign governments to attract and retain workers, signalling a gradual decentralisation of labour-related international engagement. Japan’s foreign workforce reached a record 2.57 million people as of last October, yet its distribution remains highly uneven, with around 40% concentrated in Tokyo and its three surrounding prefectures. This imbalance is leaving many regional economies—particularly in agriculture, elderly care…

AI as a scientific driver takes centre stage at Swiss-Japanese business luncheon

23

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Business

AI as a scientific driver takes centre stage at Swiss-Japanese business luncheon

More than 80 members and guests gathered in Tokyo for the SCCIJ VIBES April Luncheon, focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in scientific research and innovation. The event featured Dr. Hiroaki Kitano, President and CEO of Sony Computer Science Laboratories, who presented an outlook on AI as an emerging “scientific actor” reshaping research methodologies and discovery cycles. The discussion highlighted how autonomous systems and AI-driven laboratories are increasingly accelerating scientific processes, compressing traditional research timelines and redefining how knowledge is produced. According to Dr. Kitano, this shift is not only technological but structural, with implications for innovation models…

Tokyo Art & Antiques Festival opens in Nihonbashi and Kyobashi

23

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Arts

Tokyo Art & Antiques Festival opens in Nihonbashi and Kyobashi

The Tokyo Art & Antiques Festival opens on April 23 across the Nihonbashi and Kyobashi districts, reinforcing its position as Japan’s largest event dedicated to antiques and classical art in contemporary interiors. The festival brings together galleries, dealers, and specialists in traditional Japanese and Asian art, alongside curated exhibitions that highlight the growing dialogue between historical craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. This year’s edition places particular emphasis on the revaluation of classical pieces within today’s residential and commercial spaces, reflecting a broader trend in Japan’s interior design market where heritage objects are increasingly integrated into minimalist, contemporary environments. Beyond its…

ADB’s Kanda seeks second term amid record lending expansion

22

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Business

ADB’s Kanda seeks second term amid record lending expansion

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda has announced his intention to stand for reelection at the end of his current term in November 2026, positioning continuity as a key priority at a time of heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty across Asia and the Pacific. Kanda framed his candidacy around the need for institutional stability in what he described as an era of “radical transformation” marked by overlapping global shocks. He stressed that the ADB remains an anchor for developing member countries, as volatility in trade, financing conditions and energy markets continues to reshape regional development needs. Since taking office…

Japan and Montenegro deepen ties as Tokyo expands Balkans strategy

22

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Diplomacy

Japan and Montenegro deepen ties as Tokyo expands Balkans strategy

Japan has strengthened its diplomatic engagement with the Western Balkans following a summit meeting in Tokyo between Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović. The visit marks a symbolic milestone, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries and the first official trip by a Montenegrin head of state to Japan. During the meeting, Takaichi underlined Montenegro’s role as a NATO member and described it as a partner sharing common values and principles with Japan, including democracy and the rule of law. She reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to supporting Montenegro’s institutional development through the…

Japan defends Sakhalin-2 stake as energy security asset

22

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Japan

Japan defends Sakhalin-2 stake as energy security asset

Japan has reaffirmed its position within the Sakhalin-2 LNG project during a recent G7 follow-up meeting, framing its continued participation as a matter of national energy security rather than geopolitical alignment. Despite sustained pressure from Western partners to reduce exposure to Russian fossil fuels, Tokyo maintains that its stake remains essential to avoid supply instability. In 2025, Japan accounted for approximately 58% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from Sakhalin-2, according to project operator Sakhalinskaya Energia. Japanese trading houses Mitsui & Co. and Mitsubishi Corporation collectively hold a 22.5% stake in the project, which is majority-controlled by Russia’s state-owned energy…

Japan unlocks defense exports under new Motegi Doctrine

21

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Diplomacy

Japan unlocks defense exports under new Motegi Doctrine

Japan has entered a new phase in its security and foreign policy architecture following the revision of its “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology.” Under the framework outlined by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Tokyo is moving beyond the export of components to the transfer of complete defense systems, marking a structural shift in how Japan engages with regional and global security dynamics. This policy evolution—often described as the emerging “Motegi Doctrine”—reflects Japan’s response to what officials define as a rapidly changing post-war international order. Rather than limiting its role to domestic self-defense, Japan is positioning itself as…