Japan’s voters will head to the polls in late October, as the country grapples with tensions growing both inside and outside its borders. Mounting concerns about North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have undoubtedly led to increased expectations for Tokyo to play a key role in ensuring stability in Asia. Yet Japan faces much broader challenges, not least exploring the possibility of constitutional reform to enhance its defense capabilities. It is also facing the prospect of taking on a greater role to ensure the rule of law prevailing across the Asia-Pacific region, from preempting territorial disputes to promoting fair trade. At the same time, concerns within Japan about Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s leadership and prospects for domestic growth will be high on the list of concerns for voters.

Join us for a discussion on what will be at stake in the upcoming elections, and expectations for Japan’s political, economic, and security leadership in the years to come.

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