Robert Ward

Very pleased to announce that my new @IISS_org Adelphi book on Japan is nearly with us. The tome considers whether Japan’s new grand strategy, defence reforms & more are up to the strategic task that Japan has set itself against the background of increasing tensions around Taiwan in particular. It also attempts to situate these recent changes within Japan’s broader strategic journey since the Meiji Restoration. With special thanks to the Adelphi series editor, @Benjamin__Rhode, @alice_aveson and the IISS copyedit team, our design team, and the IISS Japan Chair team @IshimaruJu71422 @TakaKamisuna & @YukiKurihara716 for their support throughout. An extra special thanks, too, to Konishi Takuya, Director of the Urushi Museum in Nikko, Japan for creating the beautiful calligraphy that grace the front cover. Available for to order on the Routledge website, Amazon etc.

Xinhua: "Chinese automakers have surpassed their Japanese counterparts in global vehicle sales for the first time, marking a significant shift in the global automotive industry." english.news.cn/20260323/7cd94…

A fairly striking chart

In this paper, I look back at the start of the month - seems like an eternity ago - at China's NPC, the announcement of the 5 year plan, and what both portend for the economy in 2026 and in the years to come 1/3 China’s National People’s Congress 2026, Five-Year Plan, and the economy open.substack.com/pub/chinaobser…

‘I would say Japan’s critical mineral strategy is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary’ – Hatakeyama Kyoko, noting Japan’ critical mineral strategy in the long-term perspective. 🎧 Listen now: go.iiss.org/4s8PNSQ

@KS_1013 🙌

BAの機内安全ビデオ、なかなかイギリス風に作ってあって良い。

PM Takaichi: “I visited Arlington National Cemetery. I laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as the national anthems of Japan and the United States were performed.”

This morning’s walk - a shame you can’t hear the larks singing at full voice in the field behind. #Cotswolds

The following caught my eye in the March 19th Japan-US summit fact sheet: - joint R&D in deep-sea critical minerals extraction, including callout for 🇯🇵’s recent Minami-Torishima success - Japan to support US in defence-industrial production - inclusion of the need to support ‘peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait’ and its relevance to ‘global prosperity’ important for Japan, especially given recent deterioration in Japan-China relations - ‘coordination in third countries’ to address strategic challenges is diplomatically opaque but opens door further to more activist bilateral alliance - advanced tech cooperation deepening

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance for the Benefit of All Americans – The White House whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/20…

Rachmaninov b otd (OS) 1873. Genius! A master of structure, speaking to us in a unique language that all can understand (if they choose). Steeped in the past, but utterly new; profoundly emotional, never sentimental; and with a radiance that at times borders on the mystical.

@NanaeBaldauff @MichitoTsuruoka Thank you for making our event so special, Nanae. We much enjoyed hosting you.

鶴岡先生@MichitoTsuruoka、Julie Marionneau, IISSジャパンチェアの@RobertAlanWardと、日欧防衛産業協力についてパネルに登壇しました。晴天のロンドンで、JAPAN HOUSEで、大勢の方に来て頂き感謝🙏ビデオで視聴できます。youtu.be/ADXKKzXdFSo?si…

PM Takaichi showed impressive facial control when President Trump made his Pearl Harbour joke…

PM Takaichi mtg Pr Trump now highlights Iran crisis but also the need keep eyes on Indo-Pac security, says that 🇯🇵 has some proposals to calm down the energy market. Mentioning Indo-Pacific key for Takaichi given Japan-China tensions. Being proactive w be key to summit success.

Nikkei makes the obvs but important point that Takaichi is the first G7 leader to meet Trump since the de facto Hormuz blocking. She thus has no precedents for reference. 首相訪米、イラン攻撃で目算外れる　中国抑止より中東対応が主題に：日本経済新聞 nikkei.com/article/DGXZQO…

Trump-Takaichi working lunch cancelled to allow longer summit, Jiji reports reuters.com/world/asia-pac…

Impatient with Iran’s attacks, the Gulf states have multiple options if they wish to increase the costs for Tehran, but they would run the risk of escalating the conflict. ➡️ Read the latest analysis by Dr Hasan Alhasan (@HTAlhasan): go.iiss.org/4lxrhIl