Japan has made history as Sanae Takaichi became the nation’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, October 21. The long-time conservative politician and close ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assumed office after securing a narrow parliamentary victory. Takaichi won 125 votes in the upper house—just one more than required—and 237 out of 465 in the lower house, surpassing the majority by four votes. Her rise came swiftly after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won the October 4 election but lost its coalition partner, Komeito, over ideological and corruption concerns. To form a functioning government, Takaichi struck an 11-hour deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). As Japan’s first female leader and its fifth prime minister in recent years, she faces daunting challenges ahead, including economic recovery and preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit.

Prince Hisahito of Japan, nephew of Emperor Naruhito, has formally reached adulthood at the age of 19—becoming the first male royal in four decades to do so. As the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his milestone has reignited debate over Japan’s 19th-century male-only succession law.

At a ceremony Saturday, Hisahito received the traditional kanmuri crown from the Emperor’s envoy. In his remarks, he said, “As an adult member of the Imperial Family, I will fulfill my duties with a sense of responsibility.”

The prince later donned ceremonial attire at the Imperial Palace and is scheduled to pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine, Emperor Jimmu’s mausoleum, and the tomb of his great-grandfather, Emperor Showa. He will also meet Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other dignitaries.

With no younger male heirs in line, calls are growing to amend succession laws that exclude women despite Japan’s shrinking imperial family.

Japan has granted the United States permission to deploy medium-range Typhoon missiles during joint military exercises next month, prompting warnings from Russia and China. Both nations describe the move as a threat to regional stability. Russia calls it a direct strategic risk and warns of potential military responses, while China urges Japan to pursue peaceful development and caution. The Typhoon system, previously tested in the Philippines, will be stationed at Iwakuni airbase, but its actual use in upcoming exercises remains unclear.

Japan is reforming its skill development program for foreign workers, allowing job changes in seven key sectors after two years at the first workplace. The new policy, effective from 2027, requires workers to remain within the same industry and offers permanent work opportunities through the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa after three years. Restrictions on relocation apply in high-wage prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka, while companies elsewhere cannot hire more than one-third foreign workers. The move addresses Japan’s labor shortage amid an aging population.

Amid rising U.S. tariff pressures, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tokyo to attend the two-day annual summit beginning Friday.

The visit is expected to strengthen strategic relations between Japan and India, with discussions focusing on rare mineral partnerships and Japanese investment in high-value sectors in India. Meanwhile, both countries plan to discuss enhanced cooperation under the regional security alliance framework. Modi’s visit is also seen as a key step in strengthening the Quad alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.

A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake in Russia triggered a tsunami that has hit northern Japan, prompting evacuation efforts for nearly 2 million people from Tokyo and nearby coastal areas. The first tsunami wave struck Hokkaido with a height of about 30 centimeters, but warnings indicate waves could reach up to 3 meters. Transport systems, including Sendai Airport and ferry services, have been disrupted. Authorities are monitoring for aftershocks and assessing damage in both Japan and Russia’s Kamchatka region.

Japan’s ruling coalition has lost its majority in the House of Councillors, the country’s upper house of parliament. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition won only 47 seats — three short of its target. Meanwhile, the right-wing populist party Sanseitō gained significant traction, securing 14 seats with its “Japan First” campaign. Rising living costs, inflation, and political scandals are believed to have driven voter dissatisfaction.

Japan's exports have dropped for a second straight month, primarily due to a sharp decline in shipments to the United States amid tariff threats from former President Donald Trump. In June, exports to the U.S. fell 11%, with car exports plunging 26.7%. Overall exports declined by 0.5%, resulting in a trade deficit of 2.2 trillion yen in the first half of the year. Although tariff implementation was delayed until August 1 for further talks, no deal has been reached, raising fears of another economic slowdown.

Japan has lodged a strong diplomatic protest after Chinese fighter jets came dangerously close—twice within a week—to its reconnaissance aircraft over the East China Sea.
According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, Chinese JH-7 jets flew as close as 30 meters and 60 meters in two separate incidents lasting about 15 and 10 minutes, respectively.
Tokyo has demanded assurances that such incidents will not be repeated. In response to increasing Chinese aggression, Japan is deploying 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft to a new military base in the southwest region.

Japan’s $1 trillion investment promise to the U.S. failed to prevent a trade fallout, as President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Japanese imports, calling Japan “spoiled.” Despite efforts to protect agricultural markets and reduce auto tariffs, negotiations stalled. The breakdown came after a fruitless G7 meeting and ahead of Japan’s elections. Experts warn this could hurt Japan’s economy and force companies to reduce U.S. dependency. Talks for a new deal are ongoing but face steep hurdles.

Following nearly 1,600 earthquakes since June 21, residents of remote southern Japanese islands have been evacuated due to safety and psychological concerns. Akuseki Island, the most affected, saw over half its population relocated. Experts suspect underwater volcanic activity is triggering the ongoing tremors, which have created widespread anxiety. Local authorities remain uncertain about when the seismic activity will stop. Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone nations, typically experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually, but the current swarm is unusually intense and prolonged.

In a significant move to counter China's expanding influence in the South and East China Seas, Japan is preparing to transfer six Abukuma-class warships to the Philippines. The transfer is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense cooperation among U.S. allies. A Filipino military delegation is set to inspect the vessels this summer. Despite Japan’s constitutional restrictions on arms exports, the deal is being framed as a joint development initiative. Both countries have expressed growing alarm over China’s assertive military posture and have recently signed a reciprocal access agreement and held joint military exercises.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stated that Japan will not make easy concessions in trade talks with the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 35% on Japanese goods. Tokyo is intensifying negotiations before the July 9 deadline, after which additional tariffs may take effect. Ishiba emphasized the importance of detailed discussions and maintaining Japan’s strong investment and employment ties in the U.S., preparing for all possible outcomes.

Japan’s Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range, erupted on Wednesday afternoon, spewing ash clouds into the sky. Authorities have warned of falling rocks and pyroclastic flows within a two-mile radius, advising residents to remain indoors. The eruption has heightened concerns over a potential "mega-disaster" — a term popularized by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who reportedly predicted a major catastrophe in June 2025. While the region had been on alert prior to the eruption, the risk level has now intensified. With nearly 900,000 people potentially affected, the Japanese authorities are on high alert.

For the first time on its own soil, Japan has conducted a land-to-ship missile test as part of efforts to bolster its military capability in response to China’s growing threats. The missile, identified as Type-88, was launched by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force from a training site on Hokkaido Island, targeting waters off the Pacific coast. Typically, such tests are held on U.S. bases, but due to high costs, this one was carried out domestically. Japan described the test as an essential training exercise.