In episode one of Japan Memo, co-hosts Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino are joined by the Chairman of the IISS Trustees, Bill Emmott. Bill is a writer, consultant, long-time Japan watcher and Chairman of the Japan Society of the United Kingdom. From 1993−2006, he was editor-in-chief of The Economist.  

To launch this new IISS podcast series, Robert, Yuka and Bill discuss the key developments in Japan over the past decades. These include societal changes such as Japan’s shifting demography, notably its ageing population; the role of women; ‘Abenomics’ and prospects for economic reform under Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide; and Japan’s response to its rapidly changing security environment. Bill also assesses Japan’s standing in the region and its pandemic response, noting why we must wait until the conclusion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to determine whether Japan has managed COVID-19 adequately.   

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Japan Memo on the podcast platform of your choice.  

Date of recording: 28 June 2021 

Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. 

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